The event was part of the Swans’ new member recognition program, which rewards members who have reached the loyalty milestones of five, 10, 14, 20 and 25 years with certificates, pins and special club events.
The pre-game event before the match against Hawthorn included interviews with Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland and former players Troy Luff, Nick Davis and Peter Bedford.
As well as being invited to the function, fans who have been members for 25 years also formed a guard of honour as the Sydney Swans ran on to the SCG to take on the Hawks.
Fans who have been members for five years received a 50 club games milestone certificate, while supporters who became members in 2001 were also recognised.
Swans member Stephen Sandercock said it was fantastic to receive his 10 year loyalty pin and a 100 club games milestone certificate.
Sandercock said he became a member to support the club through good and bad times.
Fourteen year members have been awarded Club Legend status, with the number 14 recognised for the important role it has played in the club’s history.
Sydney Swans legends Bob Skilton and Paul Kelly both wore the number 14 on their guernsey when they played for the Swans.
Michael Manak is one of the many supporters who have reached Club Legend status this year, after becoming a member following the Swans’ 1996 grand final appearance.
Manak rates the 2005 grand final win as one of his favourite Sydney Swans memories.
“I went to Melbourne to watch that, it was my first game at the MCG. To see the Swans win was fantastic. The second memory is the snap goal by Nick Davis to get us to the preliminary and the great comeback against Geelong. I was also right behind the sticks when Tony Lockett kicked that behind to get us to the grand final in 1996,” he said.
Fellow Swans member David Murphy is being recognised for being loyal to the club for 20 years, or 200 club games.
“I was absolutely and totally thrilled when I got the certificate saying 200 games,” he said.
“It was a real privilege to have a signed letter recognising my service and to be invited to a function.”
When quizzed on his favourite Sydney Swans memory, Murphy’s mind wandered back to 1993 when the Swans broke their 26 game losing streak with a 40 point win against Melbourne.
“That’s one of my favourite memories, when we turned what could have been an absolute tragedy around to be the embryo of success. That was a really touching thing for me,” he said.
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Images from the 2010 Sydney Swans Member Recognition Function:
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