This week’s Members of the Week are Keith & Shirley Laurie of Pennant Hills.

Keith & Shirley have been dedicated members since 1982 and often devote their spare time to helping out around the Club. We were fortunate enough to be able to speak to them about what it means to them to be Members of the Sydney Swans….

When did you first join the Sydney Swans and what Membership did you hold in 2010?
Shirley and I joined the Swans in 1982, the first year they moved to Sydney. We were at the first game at the SCG when they played Melbourne. Before this Keith was transferred to Melbourne for work and it was then that the Victorians made sure we were indoctrinated into AFL by following Collingwood. When we returned to Sydney we still followed AFL. When it was announced that the Swans were moving to Sydney we instantly decided that if a group of footballers from Melbourne had the guts to move into a strong rugby league state they deserved all the support they could get so we changed to the Red and White.

In 2010 we were Redback Members and attended all games in Sydney plus a game at the MCG and Manuka Oval. Over the years we have also been to games in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide.

What do you like most about being a member?
We enjoy belonging to such a wonderful Club that has been so well run over the many years by competent Management and staff under the guidance of Chairman, Richard Colless. We love the atmosphere at the games and the friendships we have formed with other members by attending the many Club functions that are always well run.  
 
Being Members of the Swans for nearly 30 years has given us tremendous pleasure and is a big part of our life during winter. We have experienced numerous exciting games of football. Over the years we have attended most functions that the Swans conduct. At the Club Champion Dinner each year we always have a table of 10 with our friends who are all Members; this always makes for a special night. Our family also participate in a tipping competition each year which is fun.
 
We take an interest in the players and are so proud with the way they conduct themselves both on and off the field. We follow their progress; admire their skills on the field and the dedication that they show to the guernsey.

With a small group of volunteers led by Potty Dotty we have also been able to help the Club by doing some voluntary work prior to the season.

What is your all-time favourite Swans moment? What made it so special?           
We have many favourite moments, but there is no doubt the 2005 Grand Final takes the prize. There is no better experience in sport or entertainment than to be present at the MCG at a Grand Final when your beloved team wins the Premiership, it was truly amazing. Keith was later involved with the unfurling of the Premiership flag on the ground at the SGG which was very special for him.

Other favourites include the celebration at the Cross after winning the pre-season night competition shortly after they moved to Sydney, Tony Lockett's 1300th goal, watching Paul Kelly play, and attending the Hall of Fame evening in Melbourne and seeing a good number of ex-players. We also remember the day someone let a pig on the ground with Tony Lockett's number on its back prior to him becoming a Swan, boys from the Cross that impersonated umpires behind the goal square and the guys who impersonated the Swanettes were entertaining.

What was your favourite moment in 2010? Describe why it was so good.
Two favourite, but sad moments, were the farewell for Paul Roos and Brett Kirk at the Club Champion dinner and of course at their last game at the SCG. These two people were wonderful for the Club and we admire them both. We remember just prior to Paul being appointed coach, we attended a game at ANZ Stadium and during the night we were asked on three occasions to sign a petition to appoint Paul as Coach which the Club certainly did. That shows how caring and passionate supporters are. 

Who is your favourite Swans player?
We like them all but our favourite player is Adam Goodes. He is just so skilful, fit, and reliable; it is just a delight to watch him play. Off the field he is a great guy.

Where do you sit at the SCG/ANZ Stadium? Why do you love these seats?        
At the SCG we sit upstairs in the Brewongle Stand almost in line with the player’s race and one level up at ANZ stadium. At the SCG the view of the game and the closeness to the play is really special and the ground has a terrific atmosphere to it. Again many people who have sat near us over the many years are friends.

What do you like most about coming to Swans matches?
We think the game of AFL is great and the best sport to follow. It can be very exciting, very tense and it certainly showcases a wide range of skills. We have been very fortunate in having such a great team of players over the years.

Any final words for the team?
Boys, we admire the way you all play and appreciate all the great players and champions who have retired. The new players recruited over the last few years are playing great football and they all have great futures ahead of them. Keep up the good work, play as a team and you will be rewarded.
 
To the players, you should be congratulated on the way you conduct yourself off the field. Keep up the good work. We enjoy belonging to the great Sydney Swans family!