Lauren Hemsley of Bundoora, Victoria promised herself that if the Swans won the 2005 Grand Final that she would become a member. Five seasons on and she has not looked back. Here is what being a member of the Swans means to Lauren…
When did you first join the Sydney Swans and what membership did you hold in 2010?
I have been a fan of the Swans for many years and I decided to become a member in 2006. I became a Swans member in 2006 because I really wanted to be one and I also told my dad if the Swans won the Grand Final in 2005 I would definitely become a member!
After they won the Grand Final I was very excited to join the Red & White family. I have now been a member for five years, starting out as a Junior Member as part of the Swans Squad. This year I had a Victorian-based Full Blooded Silver Concession.
What do you like most about being a member?
I love being a member of the Swans because I enjoy going to the after-match function and talking to all the players there, not to mention being able to have your photo taken with them. I also enjoy sitting with Swans members/fans as it adds to the excitement of the game; it is also my way of helping the club financially.
What is your all-time favourite Swans moment? What made it so special?
My all-time favourite Swans moment would have to be the 2005 Grand Final because I was in Sydney with my sisters watching the game with my grandparents. Also it was even more special because the Swans won by four points thanks to “Leaping Leo” (Leo Barry.) It also broke that awful 72 year gap between their last Grand Final that they had won! I was so extremely excited when that last siren went and then it had hit me that the Swans had won the 2005 Grand Final. I was clapping very loudly and had tears in my eyes. When I think about the Grand Final it makes me smile to this very day! My Dad also rang from the MCG screaming through the phone.
What was your favourite moment in 2010? Describe why it was so good.
My favourite 2010 moment was when Lewis Jetta finally kicked his first goal! I was so happy and proud of him after kicking 19 behinds, he finally got a goal. I was watching the game on television and I saw that Jetta had the ball, I was cheering for him loudly to kick a goal. I had my fingers crossed, hoping he would kick it and he did!
Who is your favourite Swans player?
I have a few favourite players but my absolute favourite would have to be Daniel Hannebery because he is such a great player. He also puts in a lot of effort into every single game he plays and works very hard to keep fit and compete every week!
Where do you sit at the MCG/Etihad Stadium? Why do you love these seats?
When I go to the football I go with my dad. At the MCG we sometimes sit in the MCC Members Reserve, usually a few rows from the front near the interchange benches because we get a good view and get to see the players up close. At Etihad Stadium we sit on level 3, these are good seats because we get to see most of the ground and experience the game from a different view.
What do you like most about coming to Swans matches?
I love going to Swans matches because they are fun and the environment and atmosphere around where we sit is great. Also I love getting dressed up in the Red & White and cheering as loud as possible for the Swans.
Any final words for the team?
Well done on such a fantastic season boys, keep up the hard work!! GO harder SWANS in 2011!
