When did you first join the Sydney Swans and what membership will you hold in 2011?
This is my 15th year as a Swans member, although I have been attending Swans games in Melbourne since the early 80’s. There have been some very interesting years; the move up north to Sydney, the Edelsten years, the Tony Lockett years and the three Grand Final performances (1996, 2005, 2006). Years ago there was only a splattering of Red & White supporters at Melbourne games, but now it’s great to see how many Swans supporters are there to support the boys.
What do you like most about being a member?
I love the fact that being a member is like being a part of the team. Every member shares the same ride - the good times and the bad. I have celebrated with fellow supporters and cried with those same supporters. I don’t know their names, yet they feel like old friends.
What is your all-time favourite Swans moment? What made it so special?
Definitely the 2005 Grand Final. My then 75 year old father and my 7 year son were with me; three generations of diehard Swans supporters. My dad had waited all his life to see this win and to be able to share it with him made it all the more special. It was an anxious week as we had missed out on the seating allocation and finally secured seats only three days prior to the big game. The build up to the game was fantastic. We attended the Grand Final parade and could hardly contain our excitement. I even dragged out my old South Melbourne jumper for the big day. I can’t remember much of the pre match entertainment…I was too nervous! It was such an incredible match; I thought my poor dad was going to have a heart attack towards the end!
What was your favourite moment in 2010? Describe why it was so good.
Beating Carlton in the Elimination Final; my husband is a Carlton supporter and that made it all the sweeter! Also the return of Tadhg Kennelly to the team - it wasn’t the same without him dashing off the backline through the midfield.
Who is your favourite Swans player and why are they your favourite?
Kieren Jack - I met him with my son a few years ago and he was a really great guy and he is so exciting to watch. We laugh at all the people who got on his band wagon last season; we had decided he was a future Captain and Brownlow Medallist material the first time we saw him play!
Where do you sit at the MCG? Why do you love these seats? Do you ever travel up to Sydney for matches?
I sit in the Southern Stand on the wing; it is a great view of the ground and really gives you an appreciation of how hard the boys work on the field. Unfortunately I don’t get to see my beloved team in Sydney too often, however I never miss an opportunity to watch them play in Melbourne and of course we always watch the games on TV which means regular visits to the local RSL to watch them on Foxtel!
What do you like most about coming to Swans matches?
My dad and my son still go with me to every game the Swans play in Melbourne - it’s a family tradition. Even after all these years I still get a bit nervous before the first bounce and those final minutes always take my breath away…especially with all those close games the Swans love to play!
Any final words for the team?
Good luck to John Longmire in his first season of Senior Coach. I look forward to a great season ahead and watching the younger players develop even further.
