THIS week’s Member of the Week is Annie Haddad from Strathfield. Annie tells us what it means to be a part of the Red & White family…
When did you first join the Sydney Swans and what membership did you hold in 2010?
I first joined back in 1997, after finding it near impossible to rock up to a game and buy a seat on the day. I took up an offer from the Club for a discounted Premium Membership with a guaranteed seat every week and haven’t looked back. I’m still in the same seat. In 2010 I had a family Platinum Premiership Club Membership, so that I could bring my nieces and nephews to the game.
What do you like most about being a member?
The way the club makes you feel like you’re a part of something big. The culture of the club is felt all the way from the Chairman to the members.
What is your all-time favourite Swans moment? What made it so special?
Obviously winning the Grand Final in 2005 rates pretty high. Prior to that, back in 1996 when Tony Lockett kicked one point over the Bombers to get us into the Grand Final. After sitting through “the dark years”, it was very special moment. Plugger’s 1300th goal kicked at home was also a highlight - if only I could have jumped from my seat to run onto the ground with everyone else!
What was your favourite moment in 2010? Describe why it was so good.
I’d like to say, the win at ANZ Stadium over Collingwood … but that never happened! I’ll confess, on redandwhiteonline.com (an independent Swans chat room where you can talk Swannies all day, every day), I admitted that I didn’t think the team would make the 2010 finals given our big retirements at the end of 2009. Our recruiting team deserves massive kudos for recruiting the new talent that they did. Seeing a lot of younger players come out firing was a real highlight.
The year started off nicely, and the view from the top of the ladder was fantastic (while it lasted). 2010 was a year of ups and downs - Jet’s first goal (finally!), getting into the finals after some heart-breaking injuries to senior players and some heart-breaking “unexpected” losses. All of these moments made me proud to be a member of this Club. (For the record … yes, I ate fries with my words.)
Who is your favourite Swans player and why are they your favourite?
Goodesy. It’s been an absolute pleasure being able to watch a legend in the making from the beginning. I remember saying to Glenn (who used to sit next to me) after Goodesy’s first senior game, “watch this kid, he’s going to be something special”. I think I was right!
Where do you sit at the SCG/ANZ Stadium? Why do you love these seats?
I’ve been sitting in the same seat in the top deck of the Brewongle Stand (on the wing) since I became a member. Over the years, we’ve managed to squeeze in the eight members of our group as well. The people who sit around us have been there for the long haul as well, and we’re all one big happy Swannies family. The Brewongle rocks! At ANZ Stadium we sit behind what used to be “our” interchange bench. I sincerely hope that next year they come back - otherwise I’ll have to request a seat change to the other interchange!
What do you like most about coming to Swans matches?
Well, other than winning (obviously), it’s a great day/night out for everyone. If the Reserves are playing in Sydney before the game, we’ll get there early and cheer them on. If there’s an after match function, we’ll attend that as well. We love the Swans. There have been many occasions where we’ve missed the last bus to Central and have had to walk back.
Any final words for the team?
I’d love to go to the 2011 Grand Final… any chance? I’m behind you 152% - Go Swannies!!
