MORE than 1000 Swans faithful turned out under perfect summer skies, for the Melbourne Fan Day, held in Port Melbourne on Sunday.
View the Melbourne Fan Day Photo Gallery
Melbourne born and bred Jude Bolton acted as MC for the day, as new coach John Longmire and players Rhyce Shaw, Ben McGlynn, Dan Hannebery, Jarred Moore, Dan Currie and new recruit Andrejs Everitt, mingled with fans and ran activities for the kids.
Coach John Longmire faced one of his stiffest assignments since taking the reins at the Swans - an onstage grilling from host Jude Bolton, covering all things from pre-season standouts, to the all perks of stepping into the head coach’s shoes.
Bolton said the day was a fantastic opportunity for the players to thank the loyal Melbourne fans.
“Every time we play in Melbourne there is a great sea of red and white in the crowd cheering us on,” he said.
“Today is a great day to meet the fans, have a chat and of course, sign some autographs.
“All the players here today are originally from Melbourne, and we all get a kick out of returning home and thanking the fans."
Fan Day was a family affair for Bolton, whose five-year-old nephew was amongst the crowd, wearing his uncle’s famous number 24.
“The young fans are the future of the Club and it is great to see the smiles on their faces while they hunt some autographs and have their photo taken with their favourite players,” he said.
Many fans turned to the Swans facebook page to post comments on their Fan Day experience…
Kim Moss wrote: “We had a great time too when it came to questions from the crowd my son put his hand up elbowed the girl with the mike and asked the question " I don't know " he's 4 and just like the Swans he's a Champion.”
Dianne Brown wrote: “It was a great day..my daughter only 4 ,was rapt to get hanners autograph and photo, a present from santa and face painted,colour ins and handball comps...she had a ball and thats what makes the swans great, a real family club !!! oh and i signed her up finally for 2011...great all round day put on by the swanners :-)”
Michael Radisavljevic wrote: ”it was great to catch up with some of the players. A special thank you to Rhyce Shaw & Jude Bolton for taking the time to have a joke with my 6 year old son Anthony. He can't stop talking about it :-)
Ladshire Staffords wrote: What a great day and many thanks for helping make my son Robbie's birthday that bit extra special. Jude did a fantastic job as MC... Go Swans... (Goodsey we missed you) ♥
Sydney will host a Fan Day in February 2011. Keep visiting www.sydneyswans.com.au for the all the details.
