OFFICIAL MAGAZINE
ISSUE 53
Q the screamers To celebrate a great season we’re offering 10% off new home insurance and $75 off new comprehensive car insurance online. For more information visit qbe.com/au/swansoffer
Normal underwriting rules and conditions apply. 10% online discount applies to new home insurance policies and $75 online discount applies to new Comprehensive Car Insurance policies completed and paid for online before 31 March 2024 11:59pm AEST. Offer not available on renewing policies or policies purchased via a broker. Not available with any other offer. Discount applies for the initial policy term only. This home insurance and Comprehensive Car Insurance is issued and underwritten by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited (ABN 78 003 191 035, AFSL 239545). Any advice provided is general only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs and may not be right for you. To decide if this product is right for you, please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD).
CONTENTS 04
Message from CEO Tom Harley
06
AFL Club Champion
10
AFLW Club Champion
12
Farewells
Editor Michelle Cooling
14
Hall of Fame
Designer Alice Ballhausen
16
Adam Goodes Immortalised in Bronze
18
Sydney Swans HQ
20
Year in Pictures
26
AFL Round by Round
34
AFLW Round by Round
38
QBE Sydney Swans Academy
40
Swans in the Community
42
ARA First Nations Foundations
44
In Memory
46
2023 By The Numbers
49
2024 Fixture
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE SYDNEY SWANS DECEMBER 2023 | ISSUE 53
Contributors Michelle Cooling, Tom Harley, Loretta Johns, Kristie Whittard, Tom Chadwick and Hayley Willis. Photographs AFL Photos, Phil Hillyard, Ben Cuevas, Harry Sweeney, ‘We Made You Look’ Agency, Steve Markha and Keith McInnes. Advertising Enquiries Jad Maserow:
maserowj@sydneyswans.com.au
Sydney Swans Board Andrew Pridham (chairman), Brian Tyson, Rob Morgan, Greg Paramor, Alexandra Goodfellow, Darren Steinberg, Leo Barry, Michael O’Loughlin, Peter Ivany and Belinda Rowe.
| A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO
What a whirlwind this year has been – it’s hard to believe that here we are again, approaching Christmas with our men’s pre-season having already begun. Our club has achieved so much this year and when we reflect on it, we should all be incredibly proud and we thank you, our record breaking 65,332 members for being part of a historic season for our football club. The move into our new home, Sydney Swans HQ at the Royal Hall of Industries, has been very significant. For our onfield teams, it has delivered a world-class training base with equitable men’s and women’s facilities, as well as a dedicated hub for our QBE Sydney Swans Academy. For our staff, it’s an inviting space to work that they are excited | 4
to come into each day, and we have watched both our offfield and on-field teams thrive in this new environment. In December, the indoor field of HQ was transformed into an impressive function space for a special celebration with those who have played key roles in making our new home possible. On the night, club patron Basil Sellers and former chairman Richard Colless were inducted to the Swans Hall of Fame, while we revealed the name of our new home, which will be formally known as the Basil Sellers Richard Colless Centre. To everyone who has donated to the project or worked to make it possible I want to extend a heartfelt thank you, as you have helped lay the foundations for our club’s future.
Sydney Swans HQ has also finally given our members a place to call home, whether it’s before or after games, or during the week to shop in the Locker Room or to see the display of Premiership Cups – a taste of what is to come as we embark upon the next stage of the project to establish a museum. On the field our men’s football program made the finals for the 18th time in 21 years and our longest-serving coach, John Longmire reached a big personal milestone, coaching his 300th game. In doing this he became just the 25th person in AFL history to reach this feat as it is testament to the person he is and we are very fortunate to have him leading our men’s side.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CEO |
We were all thrilled to celebrate the standout season of Errol Gulden who claimed his first Bob Skilton Medal at just 21 years of age. Through the trade and draft periods we have bolstered the squad with fresh talent headlined by experienced recruits Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, Joel Hamling and James Jordon, and we are confident these players can help us improve. The success of our women’s team this season has given everyone at the club a reason to cheer, cheer – from their first win at North Sydney Oval, to watching the leadership of co-captains Chloe Molloy and Lucy McEvoy, and the seeing
the team win its first ever final. It’s a credit to Kate Mahony and Scott Gowans, and the program they have established. A congratulations must also be extended to Scott on being named AFLW Senior Coach of the Year – which is a remarkable achievement – along with Laura Gardiner, who was named our AFLW Club Champion after a season in which she averaged almost 30 touches a game. Season 2024 is a very important one for our club. We will be striving to set a new benchmark of 75,000 members as we celebrate 150 years of South Melbourne and the Sydney Swans. Significantly,
we open the season on Thursday, March 7 against Melbourne at the SCG. Our Opening Night will mark our birthday celebration in Sydney ahead of what promises to be another exciting season. We look forward to sharing it with you. Thanks for your support across the season – I hope you’re feeling as excited as I am about the journey ahead.
Tom Harley CEO, Sydney Swans
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A GUL D EN S E AS O N
Brownlow Medal –in which he polled more times than any player in club history.
Sydney Swans young-gun Errol Gulden capped off a remarkable 2023 campaign, winning his first Bob Skilton Medal as Sydney Swans Club Champion.
Gulden was presented with the Bob Skilton Medal by Sydney Swans Hall of Famer John Heriot and Bob Skilton’s granddaughter Rebecca Skilton. In addition, he was presented with the Carey Bunton Medal as the best AFL player from New South Wales by former Sydney Swans chairman Richard Colless.
The 21-year-old topped the count ahead of defender Nick Blakey, and midfielder James Rowbottom, who finished second and third respectively. The former QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete took his game to new heights in 2023, averaging 27 disposals, five tackles and one-goal per game in a display of on-field heroics that inspired his team and fans alike. Gulden’s standout season was also recognised with his first All-Australian blazer and a fourth-place finish in the | 6
Nick Blakey finished runnerup to claim the Adam Goodes Trophy. The 23-year-old enjoyed a strong season averaging 20.5 disposals and clocking almost 400 metersgained per game. Blakey, affectionately known as ‘The Lizard,’ was also rewarded for his efforts earning selection for a second-consecutive year in the All-Australian squad of 40.
The 2023 season also saw the exciting defender commit his future to the club, inking a seven-year contract extension which will keep him in the red and white until at least 2031. James Rowbottom took home the Peter Bedford Trophy after finishing third. The tough midfielder tackled his way into the club’s record books with 176 tackles – the most in a season ahead of Brett Kirk’s record set in 2009. Priding himself on his defensive efforts, Rowbottom averaged seven tackles a game in a thriving young midfield which is poised for a big 2024.
2023 CLUB CHAMPION |
2023 BOB SKILTON MEDAL TOP 10 1ST
ERROL GULDEN – 738 VOTES
6TH
OLIVER FLORENT – 448 VOTES
2ND
NICK BLAKEY – 481 VOTES
7TH
JAKE LLOYD – 430 VOTES
3RD
JAMES ROWBOTTOM – 471 VOTES
8TH
CALLUM MILLS – 426 VOTES
4TH
LUKE PARKER – 456 VOTES
9TH
TOM PAPLEY – 411 VOTES
5TH
CHAD WARNER – 453 VOTES
10TH HARRY CUNNINGHAM – 392 VOTES
NOTE: CLUB CHAMPION VOTES ARE AWARDED BY SYDNEY SWANS COACHING STAFF. A PL AYER CAN BE AWARDED A MAXIMUM OF 50 VOTES PER GAME, AND COACHES CAN ALLOCATE UP TO 10 VOTES FOR AS MANY OR AS FEW PL AYERS AS THEY DEEM APPROPRIATE, PER MATCH.
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PAUL KELLY PL AYERS’ PL AYER: ERROL GUL DEN A popular member in the team, Gulden’s performance in 2023 was outstanding, voted by his teammates as the Paul Kelly Players’ Player. Gulden sets very high standards for himself and is cementing himself as a key leader amongst a young midfield. BARRY ROUND BEST CLUBMAN AWARD: HARRY CUNNINGHAM Cunningham is as selfless as they come with a team-first attitude always. He finished in the top 10 of the Bob Skilton Medal in his 12th season in the red and white. He played in all of Sydney’s 24 matches in 2023, highlighting his consistency and resilience.
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DENNIS CARROL AWARD, MOST IMPROVED: HAYDEN MCL E AN Young key forward Hayden McLean has gone from strength to strength in 2023. In his fifth season at the Sydney Swans, McLean enjoyed 22 games in 2023, which included goal hauls of three against West Coast and four against GWS, before finishing the season with a massive 12 marks against Carlton in Sydney’s preliminary final. McLean’s season also saw the 24-year-old commit to the club for another four years, keeping him in the red and white until the end of 2027.
RISING STAR AWARD: ANGUS SHEL DRICK Angus Sheldrick claimed Sydney’s Rising Star Award after a dominant performance in the first half of the season before injury cruelly cut his year short. Sheldrick’s highlight of 2023 came in Sydney’s Round 15, 171-point demolition of West Coast that saw the inside midfielder gather 29 disposals and a goal. Taken at pick 18 in 2021 draft, the 19-year-old has already shown plenty of promise in his nine appearances at the top level.
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VFL PL AYER OF THE YEAR: C ORE Y WARNER Warner enjoyed a strong season in the VFL side’s midfield averaging six inside 50s, and 22 disposals per game. Warner’s efforts earned him his debut at the top level in Round 5 against Richmond, going on to finish the year with three senior appearances. VFL DEVELOPMENT SQUAD PL AYER OF THE YEAR: JAKE BARTHOLOMAEUS Jake Bartholomaeus was consistent with his performances in 2023, with the young forward developing into a quality player at VFL level.
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G LO RY F OR G A R D INER Midfielder Laura Gardiner claimed the 2023 Sydney Swans AFLW Club Champion award, winning the accolade in her first season with the club. Gardiner polled 223 votes in what was a dominant season in the red and white. The 20-year-old featured in all 12 games (including finals), finishing second in the league for disposals and tackles, averaging 29 and nine respectively. Winning the club’s highest individual honour caps off a stellar year of achievements for Gardiner, who also earned her | 10
first All-Australian blazer and finished second in the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year. “Reflecting on where I was this time last year, and deciding if I wanted to keep on playing footy to now, it is obviously a huge accomplishment for me personally and I couldn’t be happier than where I am now,” Gardiner said of receiving the award. “Scott (Gowans) has obviously backed me all the way through this season and it’s really great to know I have the support of him, Kate Mahony and all the coaching staff. It’s been good to have that confidence behind me and that confidence to perform.”
“I wouldn’t be here without the girls. It’s a super big accomplishment for me but I don’t think it’s even possible with you all so I’m very grateful for you all,” Gardiner added. Gardiner’s impact on the playing group was recognised by her teammates, also taking home the Players’ Player Award. Swans co-captain Chloe Molloy finished Runner-Up in the Club Champion, with 136 votes. Molloy’s debut season in the red and white saw her guide the team to their first ever finals campaign. The 24-year-old finished on top of the league for metres gained by a forward, third in score involvements, and kicked 18 goals.
Molloy’s impressive season saw her also earn her third All-Australian team selection and finish equal second in the AFLW Best and Fairest. “In terms of coming to Sydney, I have loved it a lot more than I thought I would. I was coming to Sydney for a new opportunity and challenge and I think it has really pushed and challenged me and that’s when I knew I made the right decision,” Molloy said. “We probably exceeded external expectations but internally, we knew what we were capable of and what we could achieve.” Rounding out the top 3 Ally Morphett, polled 87 votes after a standout season. Morphett emerged as one of the league’s best ruck’s in 2023, dominating from Round 1 where she earned her first Rising Star nomination in the Swans inaugural victory over the Giants. The 19-yearold finished runner-up in the AFLW’s Rising Star count, despite missing the final three games of the season due to injury. “It was a mental challenge to miss the back end of the season but it taught me to be there for my teammates. Even
though I was going through a tough time, and as hard as it was sitting on the sideline, I loved watching the girls get as far as they did in this year’s finals,” Morphett said.
The 22-year-old became a defensive wall for the Swans, and took seven marks under immense pressure in both the Elimination final and Semi Final appearance.
“It was really tough but I loved every second of it.”
Top 10 Votes: Laura Gardiner (223) Chloe Molloy (136) Ally Morphett (87) Sofia Hurley (84) Lucy McEvoy (69) Tanya Kennedy (67) Brenna Tarrant (56) Rebecca Privitelli (48) Ella Heads (36) Cynthia Hamilton (25)
Exciting young midfielder Sofia Hurley took out the Sydney Swans AFLW Rising Star award. Hurley averaged 15 disposals and 8 tackles in 2023, her standout performance coming in Round 8 against the Western Bulldogs where she finished with two goals, 24 disposals (12 contested) and eight tackles. The 19-year-old was drafted to the club with pick five in the 2022 NAB AFLW Draft and remains one of just three players to have played every game since Swans inception in the competition. Maddy Collier took out the Best Club Person award for 2023. Despite being sidelined with injury, Collier continued to offer support and leadership from the sidelines as the Swans played their first finals campaign. Brenna Tarrant earned the club’s inaugural AFLW Best Player in the Finals award.
Voting: The Sydney Swans four AFLW coaches vote 5,4,3,2,1 at the completion of each game. The maximum amount of votes a player can receive each game is 20 votes.
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SYDNEY SWANS CHAMPION AND ICON OF THE GAME LANCE FRANKLIN CALLED TIME ON HIS REMARKABLE CAREER, ANNOUNCING HIS RETIREMENT IN JULY.
Franklin is also a seven-time leading goal kicker for the Sydney Swans and a six-time Hawthorn leading goal kicker.
The champion forward decided to hang up the boots, after 354 games over 19 seasons at the highest level.
“He is a champion and will leave a lasting legacy, not only at the Sydney Swans, but within the AFL and broader community.
Arguably the greatest player to play the game, he leaves as a dual premiership player, eighttime All Australian, four-time Coleman Medallist, and will finish 4th overall on the alltime goal kicking list with 1066 career goals.
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Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said Franklin will go down as one of the all-time greats. “Lance is an icon of the AFL and will go down as one of the greatest players to ever play this game,” Harley said. “He had that rare ability to transcend footy and has brought so much joy to fans for more than a decade now.
“We wish him, Jesinta, Tallulah and Rocky all the very best for the future. They will always hold a close place in the heart of our club.” Sydney Swans coach John Longmire also paid tribute
to Franklin, saying he was a privilege to coach. “Lance Franklin has been a wonderful player with this football club and in my opinion is the greatest forward of his generation.,” Longmire said. “He is an absolute freak of nature and we have been lucky enough to have front row seats to one of the best ever to play. “He is a massive competitor and a wonderful teammate. Lance is also an extremely private and humble champion, which makes him even more endearing to those who know him.” The club also farewelled several other players at the end of the 2023. Tom Hickey hung up the boots after making a big impact at the club in his two seasons in the red and white. The 31-year old journeyman played 151 AFL games across four clubs (Sydney, St Kilda, West Coast
FA R E W E L L S |
and Gold Coast). He also became a cult figure with fans after just 49 games with the Swans. Speaking to the playing group to announce his retirement he spoke about how special it had been to be part of the club. “People talk about the great culture of the Swans, and every part of it rings true. This is a really special club filled with great people across all the departments.” Hickey said. “I love that I will be finishing up
my career as a Swan, my family will be a Swans family for life.”
wishes them well in their future endeavours.
Paddy McCartin also joined Franklin and Hickey in retirement after ongoing concussion issues. The 27-year-old played 63 AFL games in total, 28 of which were for the Sydney Swans, including the 2022 Grand Final.
Meanwhile the AFLW team also farewelled seven players from the 2023 list: Jenny Higgins, Sarah Ford, Jaide Anthony, Kiara Beesley, Aliesha Newman, Bridie Kennedy and Kate Reynolds.
Ryan Clarke, Will Gould, Hugo Hall-Kahan, Cameron Owen, Lachlan Rankin and Marc Sheather were also farewelled at the end of the 2023 season and the club
Each of these players had a role at the club and contributed to the fabric of the AFLW team and the club thank them for their time in the red and white.
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TWO GIANTS OF OUR CLUB, BASIL SELLERS AND RICHARD COLLESS WERE INDUCTED INTO THE SWANS HALL OF FAME IN EARLY DECEMBER.
the essence of what the club stands for.
Club patron Sellers and former chairman Colless became the only administrators since Craig Kimberley to receive the honour of becoming Swans Hall of Fame members, on the same night that it was revealed Sydney Swans HQ will be formally known as the Basil Sellers Richard Colless Centre.
“It is appropriate that the naming reflects two people who have been critically important figures in our club’s history. Both Richard and Basil have been as important in forging our future in Sydney as they have been in preserving our heritage as South Melbourne. Two cities, one club; two great men, one building.”
Sydney Swans Chairman Andrew Pridham said the Board gave long consideration to an appropriate name for the building, as it needed to reflect | 14
“We are all about people. We are a football club and great people have navigated our football club through the inevitable high and lows that 150 years delivers. Different people contribute in different ways, and it was important that the naming of the building acknowledged the very highest of contribution. Not just to this building – but to the club as a whole,” he said.
About 250 people gathered at Sydney Swans to thank those who have made a significant
contribution to making the Basil Sellers Richard Colless Centre possible. The facility’s indoor training field was transformed into an impressive function space to host the event. Basil Sellers AM has long been a significant contributor to the Sydney Swans. A ‘True Believer’, he was part of the ownership group, together with John Gerahty and Mike Willesee, who helped save the club in the late 1980s and he served as a director from 1989-1993. Our former home at the SCG was named the Basil Sellers Centre in his honour. Having a life-long love of sport that began with playing cricket in India as a child, Basil and his family moved from India to Australia in 1948, settling in Adelaide. He played cricket, baseball, and basketball himself, and developed a love of Australian Rules through following the North Adelaide Roosters in the SANFL – a team that is also red and
white. It was no surprise then when, years later as a successful businessman living in Sydney, he began following the Swans when the team made the move from South Melbourne. Outside of sport, Basil also has a love of art. He brought his two great passions together as the benefactor of 11 sculptures of sporting greats around the SCG – including Swans greats Paul Kelly and Paul Roos – another eight sculptures at Adelaide Oval, and the Bob Skilton sculpture at Lakeside Oval in Melbourne. Earlier this year he helped deliver the sculpture of Swans Legend Adam Goodes that stands proudly outside Sydney Swans HQ. Richard Colless AM is Sydney’s longest serving chairman,
having led the club from 19932013. Under his leadership the club became one of the AFL’s most respected and successful, both on and off the field. His reign at the club resulted in two premierships (2005 and 2012), four grand final appearances, and finals appearances in 14 of those seasons. During his time at the Swans, Richard also held the position of Chairman of the NSW/ ACT AFL Commission, which oversaw significant increases in the development of Australian football across New South Wales. His passion for the club and reverence for its history was a driving force behind the introduction of the Swans Hall of Fame in 2009. In 2011, the Swans Heritage List was also
created to honour items and moments of significance in the club’s history. Richard is now the Patron of the NSW Australian Football History Society. In this role he has been largely responsible for the initiatives such as NSW Greatest Team in 2019 and the football awards for NSW players in the AFL that include the Carey-Bunton Medal and the selection of a State-ofOrigin team each year. The Swans honours came a night after Basil Sellers, Richard Colless and Michael O’Loughlin became the first AFL inductees as Life Members of the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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G O O D ES I M MO RTAL ISE D I N BRO NZE AT SY DNE Y SWANS HQ In May the club unveiled a sculpture of 372 game Bloods legend Adam Goodes outside the Sydney Swans HQ. Goodes was on hand to watch
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the unveiling, which was performed by his good friend and former Swans champion Michael O’Loughlin and Swans Patron Basil Sellers. The bronze sculpture depicts the Brownlow Medallist’s war dance he famously performed against Carlton in Indigenous Round back in 2015. The sculpture was created by artist Cathy Weiszmann, the same artist who immortalised Swans greats Paul Kelly, Paul
Roos and Bob Skilton. Goodes said he was overcome with emotion when he saw the piece unveiled. “I am very impressed, Cathy did a fantastic job,” Goodes said. “The Swans play Carlton tonight and it takes you back to that moment in the game. I made a clear decision on the field I wanted to celebrate my culture.”
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While the club has been occupying the new Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre since the start of 2023, it was officially opened by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns in June. The $70 million project has transformed the iconic Royal Hall of Industries building, fondly remembered by many Sydneysiders as the showbag pavilion, into a state-of theart training and community centre.
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Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre provides a world-class home for the Sydney Swans men’s and women’s teams and the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, as well as a new hub for Sydney Swans members, and a space that can be utilised by the community. The development includes an indoor training field, gym, wet recovery area, medical amenities, a retail store, commercial kitchen, media studio, auditorium, learning
centre, office space and a rooftop terrace, while the newly built adjoining building includes an international standard multi-purpose indoor sports court. In addition to the Sydney Swans, the building is home to community partners GO Foundation, Clontarf Foundation, and Lifeblood’s largest donor centre in Sydney’s east, as well as tenants 98 Gym, and Hoops Capital, the owners of the Sydney Kings and Flames.
The project was supported by a $15 million investment from the Federal Government, $26 million investment from the NSW Government, and $6 million investment from the AFL. The remaining cost was funded through the Sydney Swans Foundation and the generosity of club donors.
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The Sydney Swans HQ & Community Centre is also available to hire and is the perfect venue for your next event. Our state-of-the-art facility offers a variety of spaces suitable for events ranging from small meetings to large conferences, teambuilding sessions, product launches, and more. Since opening, the club have welcomed an array of businesses and groups using the facility and we look forward to welcoming more in 2024. More information on hiring Sydney Swans HQ and Community Centre can be found here.
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Phil Hillyard, one of Australia’s best professional sports photographers, has covered over 30 seasons of AFL and captured countless iconic sports moments behind the lens. Here’s some of his best pics from Season 2023.
The | 2 0 light hitting Lance. He didn’t know it at the time but this image ended up being the last time Hillyard captured Franklin leaving a training session, with the all-time great retiring the following week after a season-ending injury.
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Tom Papley celebrates one of his six goals in the Swans win over Richmond at Gather Round.
John Longmire is embraced by his players after coaching his 300th AFL game.
Joel Amartey flexes his muscles.
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Lance Franklin’s final lap of the SCG, with son Rocky.
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Sunsets at the SCG.
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That culture the Bloods.
2 3 | by A proud Noongar-Wajuk man, Lance Franklin Sydney Harbour.
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2022 AFLW Club Champion Cynthia Hamilton celebrates a goal.
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Sydney Swans AFLW co-captain Chloe Molloy captured at Sydney Swans HQ.
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Cynthia Hamilton, Aliesha Newman, Jaide Anthony and Brenna Tarrant pose on Sydney Harbour in the team’s 2023 AFLW Indigenous Guernsey. The guernsey was designed by proud Ningy Ningy woman Aliesha Newman.
2 5 |over Ally Morphett, pictured celebrating kicking a goal in the Swans historic first win GWS at North Sydney Oval.
2023 SEASON REVIEW
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RO UND 1 v Gold Coast Suns 9.7 61 16.14 110
GOAL S Papley 2, Franklin 2, McDonald 2, Cunningham 2, Stephens, Mills, McLean, Lloyd, Heeney, Hayward, Gulden, Florent BEST Rampe, Warner, Stephens, Papley, Gulden, Lloyd
RO UND 2 v Hawthorn 17.16 118 4.13 37
GOAL S McDonald 5, Amartey 4, Papley 2, Mills 2, Heeney 2, Parker, Hayward BEST Amartey, Mills, McDonald, Gulden, Parker, Florent
RO UND 3 v Melbourne 21.8 134 12.12 84
GOAL S Papley 3, Hayward 2, Franklin 2, Rowbottom, McInerney, Gulden, McDonald, Blakey BEST Mills, Papley, Ladhams, Lloyd, Florent
RO UND 4 v Port Adelaide 9.10 64 9.12 66
GOAL S Warner 2, McDonald, 2, Papley, Ladhams, Florent, Blakey, Heeney BEST Warner, Florent, Ladhams, Blakey, Parker, Gulden
RO UND 5 v Richmond 11.12 78 18.14 122
GOAL S Papley 6, Heeney 2, Amartey 2, Campbell, Corey Warner, Chad Warner, Rowbottom, Stephens, Mills, McInerney, McDonald BEST Papley, Blakey, Warner, Lloyd, Gulden, Heeney
RO UND 6 v Geelong 20.10 130 5.7 37
GOAL S Hayward 2, Papley, Heeney, Stephens
BEST Warner, Parker, Gulden, Lloyd
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RO UND 7 v GWS Giants 16.10 106 17.5 107
ROUND BY ROUND |
GOAL S Franklin 3, Hayward 3, McDonald 3, Warner, Parker, Papley, McLean, Ladhams, Gulden, Clarke BEST Parker, Hayward, Warner, Gulden, Ladhams, Lloyd
RO UND 8 v Collingwood 11.11 77 6.12 48
GOAL S Sheather, Papley, McLean, McDonald, Hayward, Clarke BEST Gulden, Parker, Rowbottom, Florent, Fox
RO UND 9 v Fremantle 13.8 86 16.7 103
GOAL S Gulden 2, Heeney 2, Papley 2, McDonald, Rowbottom, McInerney, Fox, Campbell, Lloyd, McLean BEST Gulden, Parker, Warner, Lloyd, Heeney, Francis
RO UND 10 v North Melbourne 14.9 93 14.6 90
GOAL S Franklin 3, McLean 2, Ladhams 2, Warner, Parker, McInerney, Heeney, Hayward, Gulden, Campbell BEST Parker, Warner, Gulden, Fox, Franklin
RO UND 11 v Carlton 11.11 77 6.15 51
GOAL S Wicks 2, Ch.Warner 2, McLean 2, McInerney 2, Papley, Hayward, Gulden BEST Gulden, Blakey, Parker, Heeney, Ch.Warner
RO UND 13 v St Kilda 9.12 66 12.8 80
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GOAL S Sydney: Franklin 2, Papley 2, Campbell, Clarke, Gulden, Lloyd, Wicks BEST Florent, Rowbottom, Warner, Papley, Campbell
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RO UND 14 v Brisbane Lions 13.19 97 12.9 81
GOAL S Sheldrick 2, Gulden 2, Wicks, Rowbottom, Parker, Papley, McInerney, Hayward, Campbell, Amartey BEST Lloyd, Rowbottom, Cunningham, Gulden, Campbell, Blakey
RO UND 15 v West Coast Eagles 31.19 205 5.4 34
GOAL S Heeney 5, McDonald 4, Amartey 4, McLean 3, McInerney 3, Gulden 3, Warner 2, Parker 2, Clarke 2, Sheldrick, Papley, Fox BEST Parker, Campbell, Heeney, Hickey, Rowbottom, Gulden
RO UND 16 v Geelong 6.18 54 7.12 54
GOAL S McDonald 2, Campbell 2, Papley, Parker
BEST Parker, Gulden, Campbell, McInerney, Sheldrick, Blakey
RO UND 17 v Richmond 12.16 88 11.9 75
GOAL S Heeney 3, McInerney 2, Hayward 2, Franklin 2, Gulden, Papley BEST Florent, Gulden, Parker, Rowbottom, Heeney, Rampe
RO UND 18 v Western Bulldogs 11.12 78 11.10 76
GOAL S Papley 4, Franklin 2, Florent 2, Rowbottom, Amartey, Heeney BEST Gulden, Rowbottom, Parker, Florent, Papley
RO UND 19 v Fremantle 12.4 76 16.9 105
GOAL S Franklin 3, Hayward 3, McDonald 2, Mills 2, Papley 2, Heeney 2, Gulden, Warner BEST Parker, Franklin, Rowbottom, Hayward, Papley, Gulden
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RO UND 20 v Essendon 15.9 99 15.11 101
ROUND BY ROUND |
GOAL S Amartey 4, Wicks 3, Heeney 2, Papley 2, Warner, McInerney, McDonald, Gulden BEST Gulden, Lloyd, Warner, Campbell, Amartey
RO UND 2 1 v Greater Western Sydney 12.13 85 15.6 96
GOAL S McLean 4, Amartey 2, Gulden 2, Heeney 2, Wicks, Warner, Papley, Hayward, Florent BEST Gulden, Lloyd, Parker, Fox, Mills, McLean, Rowbottom
RO UND 2 2 v Gold Coast 18.6 114 13.12 90
GOAL S Hayward 4, McDonald 3, Heeney 2, McLean 2, Warner 2, Rowbottom, Papley, Amartey, Roberts, Cunningham BEST Warner, Hayward, Papley, Blakey, Rowbottom, McDonald, Heeney
RO UND 23 v Adelaide Crows 10.13 73 11.8 74
GOAL S Isaac Heeney 3, McLean 2, Wicks, Papley, McDonald, Hayward, Francis, Campbell BEST Heeney, Warner, Gulden, Blakey, McLean, Hickey
RO UND 24 v Melbourne 7.14 56 11.11 77
GOAL S Gulden 2, Wicks, Warner, Mills, McLean, McDonald BEST Gulden, Mills, Parker, Warner, McCartin
EL IMINATION FINAL v Carlton 11.8 74 9.14 68
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GOAL S McDonald 2, Gulden 2, Parker 2, Hayward, Amartey, Hayward BEST Gulden, McLean, McCartin, Mills, Parker, Blakey, Lloyd
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2023 AFLW SEASON REVIEW
202 2 SY D N E Y SWA N S C LU B M AG A Z I N E |
RO UND 1 v Greater Western Sydney 7.9 51 7.4 46
GOAL S Molloy 2, Privitelli 2, Beruldsen, Morphett, Newman BEST Morphett, Molloy, McEvoy, Gardiner, Privitelli, Steane, Hurley
RO UND 2 v Geelong 5.11 41
GOAL S Newman 3, Morphett, Molloy
10.8 68
BEST Gardiner, Molloy, Morphett, Newman, Heads
RO UND 3 v Brisbane Lions 14.3 87
GOAL S Privitelli 2, Morphett, Ham
4.8 32
BEST Gardiner, Morphett, Privitelli, Hurley
RO UND 4 v West Coast Eagles 5.4 34
GOAL S Molloy 2, Smith 2, C.Hamilton
2.9 21
BEST Morphett, Molloy, Gardiner, Hurley, McEvoy, Tarrant, Kennedy
RO UND 5 v Carlton 6.8 44
GOAL S Privitelli 4, Gardiner, Smith
6.3 39
BEST Privitelli, Gardiner, Morphett, Steane, Kennedy
RO UND 6 v Port Adelaide 3.12 30
GOAL S C.Hamilton 2, Smith, Privitelli, Molloy, Anthony
6.9 45
BEST Gardiner, Molloy, McEvoy, Hurley, Smith, Morphett
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RO UND 7 v Hawthorn
ROUND BY ROUND |
3.8 26
GOAL S C.Hamilton, McEvoy, Privitelli
5.10 40
BEST Gardiner, Molloy, McEvoy, Morphett, Privitelli, Mitchell
RO UND 8 v Western Bulldogs 6.3 39 14.12 96
GOAL S Molloy 3, C.Hamilton 2, Sargent-Wilson 2, Hurley 2, Privitelli, Lochland, Beruldsen, Ham, Gardiner BEST Molloy, Ham, Gardiner, Hurley, C.Hamilton, Tarrant
RO UND 9 v Collingwood 9.4 58
GOAL S Molloy 3, Privitelli 2, Hurley 2, Ham, Newman
5.9 39
BEST Gardiner, McEvoy, Molloy, Privitelli, Tarrant, Hurley
RO UND 10 v Fremantle 2.6 18
GOAL S Molloy 2, Ham, Lochland, Privitelli
5.10 40
BEST Gardiner, Molloy, Kennedy, Heads, Privitelli
EL IMINATION FINAL v Gold Coast Suns 6.5 41 9.4 58
GOAL S Molloy 3, McEvoy 2, Whelan, Privitelli, Newman, Hamilton BEST Molloy, Hurley, Kennedy, Gardiner, Ham, Hamilton
SEMI FINAL v Adelaide Crows
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12.10 82
GOAL S Newman, Molloy
2.3 15
BEST Gardiner, Molloy, Heads, Tarrant
Sometimes an experience is so thrilling you can’t put it into words. Like feeling the roar of the crowd at that first home game of the season, or witnessing a come-from-behind victory in the dying minutes. It’s the same experience that awaits behind the wheel of the Tiguan R and the T-Roc R, our high-performance SUVs. Ready to feel their indescribable power? Great. They’re in stock now.
| 202 2 SY D N E Y SWA N S C LU B M AG A Z I N E
A YEAR OF GROWTH AND ACHIEVEMENT The QBE Sydney Swans Academy has had an exceptional year of growth and achievement. Over 700 talented athletes aged 11-19 years across nine different hubs in New South Wales benefited from the QBE Swans Academy’s comprehensive and diverse program. With more than 70 coaches and strength and conditioning staff, the QBE Academy has cultivated a rigorous and expansive program. The Under 18 Female team was a standout performer in 2023, securing victories in six out of eight games against tough opposition from Melbourne and other | 38
Northern Academies. Their exciting football was matched only by their commitment to improvement in every training and game session. Their season was capped off with eight players and coach Bron Gulden representing the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in the women’s Allies campaign. Marnie Robinson had a stellar campaign, named in the U18 All-Australian team and also awarded Most Valuable Player for the Allies. Similarly, the Male Under 18 team demonstrated significant growth throughout the year, clinching four wins out of nine games. Their resilience in close losses against Coates League teams in Melbourne was a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. Led by coach Mark McVeigh and his assistants you could
see the boys developing a style of play that will hold them in good stead as they progress over the coming years. The QBE Academy was then represented in the men’s Allies campaign by six players and Head Coach Mark McVeigh, going on to win the tournament for the first time, creating history for the club and the Allies. Caiden Cleary and Mark McVeigh went on to be named in the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 All-Australian team. The QBE Sydney Swans Academy pathway into the Under 18 Male and Female years is opening doors for aspiring players to potentially join senior AFL or AFLW squads. The Sydney Swans have witnessed several familiar faces progress through the QBE Academy
to secure regular spots at the highest level, highlighting the program’s success in developing top-performing athletes. This year we saw Holly Cooper join the Sydney Swans AFLW team in the Pre-Signing Period. Caiden Cleary was taken as pick 24 in the AFL Draft for the Sydney Swans, and Indhi Kirk sign with the Sydney Swans as a Category B Rookie in the AFL draft. These athletes are a testament to the Academy’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating impactful pathways to the top level. In 2023 the Academy also celebrated the selection of two outstanding players, Emma Juneja and Joel Cochran, in the NAB AFL Academy for the upcoming 2024 season. Both athletes, among the most talented 17-year-olds nationwide, will undergo further development as they approach their draft year. This achievement underscores the QBE Academy’s dedication to developing top-performing athletes and preparing them for the highest levels of competition.
A key feature of the yearly calendar is the QBE Sydney Swans Open Athlete Assessment Trials. Aspiring athletes aged between 10 and 13 were put through their paces for a range of AFL skills, athletic testing and small sided games. For the first time Talent Identification sessions were also introduced. These were targeted at 14 and 15-yearold talented athletes. The opportunity provided testing for elite athletes/footballers who have not entered the QBE Academy in the younger age groups and have displayed high level achievement and participation with local club or an alternative sport. Players selected at the trials and Talent ID sessions will enter the QBE Sydney Swans Academy in 2024 and those that missed out, are encouraged to try again next year.
Foundation which plays a vital role in funding the QBE Academy. The scholarship aims to develop boys and girls in the QBE Swans Academy’s Top End program who have the potential to play AFL or AFLW at the highest level, with the support and facilities provided by the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.
Seven promising athletes from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy were inducted into the inaugural Basil Sellers Scholarship Program. Sellers is a long-time patron, Swans Hall of Famer and generous donor to the Sydney Swans
The QBE Sydney Swans Academy is doing an outstanding job of nurturing talent, fostering expansive programs, and creating impactful pathways for aspiring athletes.
Finally, the 2023 Super 24 event was held in Coffs Harbour for the first time this year and was a highlight of the calendar. The event showcased six teams from the QBE Sydney Swans Academy with athletes represented from the Under 13, 14 and 15 age groups. Crowds were entertained for three days of action and intense competition between the Swans and GIANTS Academy teams. The state-based carnival plays a pivotal role in the development of young talent in NSW.
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IT WAS ANOTHER BIG YEAR OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN 2023 FOR THE SYDNEY SWANS. Last year, as part of the club’s commitment to be better tomorrow than today, we launched a new Diversity Action Plan (DAP). The DAP is a roadmap of commitments aimed at strengthening our club and our connection to community through genuine advocacy. The key pillars of the DAP are – disability empowerment, LGBTIQA+ pride, multicultural inclusion and the
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advancement of women. The Swans are partnered with several community organisations Down Syndrome NSW, Twenty10, Symmetra and Addi Road and our relationship with these organisations strengthened in 2023. A highlight of the partnership with Down Syndrome NSW was having Jake Earley and Ellen Hester involved in both the AFL and AFLW football departments, with their roles ranging from helping the property stewards to running water for the players during training. They developed some great relationships and we loved having them as part of the staff. Strengthening the relationship further, former Sydney Swans
Captain and Head of Player Development Brett Kirk was also just recently named an ambassador for Down Syndrome NSW. As part of our annual Pride Game, Sydney Swans players and staff were part of an education session led by Twenty10. The session discussed various topics that members of the LGBTIQA+ face and taught us how our players and staff can truly make a difference to the lives of others. The club also supported Addi Road through ‘Cans for Cause’ at several AFLW games at Henson Park, collecting cans from match attendees to help put food on the table for those in need.
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REDKITE The Sydney Swans have been on Redkite’s team for 23 years, supporting children and families affected by childhood cancer through various initiatives, highlighted by our annual Swans Redkite Day. This year also saw the launch of ‘The Swannies’ an in-person and online auction of player portraits drawn by Redkite children and their friends and signed by the players. It was another successful Redkite Day, with iconic Australian children’s group The Wiggles also performing at the SCG on the day, much to everyone’s delight. Redkite children and their families formed a guard of honour for the Round 9 match against Fremantle at the SCG and a record amount of over $43,000 was raised through online virtual kite donations, game donations and the auction of the player portraits. AFL and AFLW Players also visited the Royal Children’s Hospital in Randwick several times throughout the season and took part in Redkite’s music therapy sessions.
Sydney Swans players and staff also helped in several Redkite initiatives including packing their Red Bags, which is a bag full of essentials that are given to families when their child is diagnosed with cancer. The club also assisted in writing Christmas cards for Redkite families.
CUNNINGHAM NAMED FINALIST FOR JIM STYNES AWARD Sydney Swans defender Harry Cunningham was once again named as one of four finalists for the 2023 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for the work he does with Redkite.
on the cancer ward, providing distraction and joy while creating long lasting memories. Harry is a role model to other players and continues to inspire younger players to get involved, generating essential funding, and making a difference to childhood cancer awareness in Sydney and across Australia. Last year as part of the club’s commitment to be better tomorrow than today, a new Diversity Action Plan (DAP) was launched. The DAP is a roadmap of commitments aimed at strengthening the club and connection to the community through advocacy.
For more than a decade, Harry has shown unwavering community leadership in his position as Redkite Ambassador. Each year, he has used his public profile to galvanise support for Redkite, both with the Swans’ fanbase and broader football community. Through his involvement, Harry has helped to alleviate the constant stress facing families 41 |
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The ARA First Nations Foundations is a 10-week sporting program for boys and girls aged 10-17 and aims to increase participation and involvement of First Nations People right across our game, from playing to coaching and administration, as well as identify those with the physical capabilities and character to become high-performing athletes. Following last year’s inaugural program, 21 First Nation’s athletes were selected to advance to the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. The program incorporates | 42
mental health and cultural education sessions with strategically planned technical and tactical training led by experienced staff. It’s delivered in a culturally safe and inclusive environment, fostering a greater sense of belonging and connection to AFL and the broader Sydney Swans family. Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said the club is proud to be building on the work from year one of the program. “The ARA First Nations Foundations is an opportunity for us to engage not only
the kids, but their broader communities. I’m excited to see the potential stars of tomorrow flourish and reach their potential,” Harley said. “We would like to thank ARA for its support to help make the program possible.”
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| 202 2 SY D N E Y SWA N S C LU B M AG A Z I N E
We would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the dear friends and loved ones we have lost over the past year. In particular, we would like to acknowledge some special members of our red and white family. May they rest in peace.
RON BARASSI AM (27 FEBRUARY 1936 – 16 SEPTEMBER 2023) Former Sydney Swans coach and Director. Giant of our game.
MERV CROSS OAM (3 JULY 1941 – 25 AUGUST 2023) Our go-to pioneering knee surgeon.
GRAEME JOHN (15 MARCH 1943 – 27 JUNE 2023) Former player and Swans Hall of Fame member.
BOB MUNN (22 DECEMBER 1939 – 5 JUNE 2023) Former player.
AUSTIN ROBERTSON JR (29 APRIL 1943 – 23 AUGUST 2023) Former player and Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee.
RON JOSEPH (21 AUGUST 1945 – 21 MARCH 2023) Former Sydney Swans CEO. Legendary AFL figure.
TREVOR BIDSTRUP (29 NOVEMBER 1937 – 25 DECEMBER 2022) A True Believer and inaugural member in 1982.
BARRY ROUND (26 JANUARY 1950 – 24 DECEMBER 2022) Bloods Champion, Team of the Century ruck and former captain. | 44
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| 202 2 SY D N E Y SWA N S C LU B M AG A Z I N E
ROUND 24 V MELBOURNE
MEMBER CALLS TAKEN
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202 2 SY D N E Y SWA N S C LU B M AG A Z I N E |
THE NUMBER OF ROUNDS ERROL GULDEN POLLED THE MAXIMUM THREE VOTES IN THE 2023 BROWNLOW MEDAL.
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202 2 SY D N E Y SWA N S C LU B M AG A Z I N E |
OPENING NIGHT V MELBOURNE
ROUND 13 V GEELONG CATS
THU MAR 07
SUN JUN 09
ROUND 01 V COLLINGWOOD
ROUND 14 V ADELAIDE CROWS
7:30PM - SCG
FRI MAR 15
3:20PM - SCG
7:40PM - MCG
SAT JUN 15
ROUND 02 V ESSENDON
ROUND 15 V GWS GIANTS
7:30PM - SCG
4:35PM - GIANTS STADIUM
SAT MAR 23 ROUND 03 V RICHMOND
7:00PM - ADELAIDE OVAL
SAT JUN 22 ROUND 16 V FREMANTLE
SUN MAR 31
TBC
ROUND 04 V WEST COAST EAGLES
ROUND 17 V ST KILDA
1:00PM - ADELAIDE HILLS, MT BARKER
TBC - MARVEL STADIUM
4:00PM - MCG
SAT APR 06 ROUND 05
TBC - SCG
TBC
ROUND 18 V NORTH MELBOURNE
BYE
TBC
ROUND 06 V GOLD COAST SUNS
ROUND 19 V BRISBANE LIONS
1:00PM - SCG
TBC - THE GABBA
SUN APR 21 ROUND 07 V HAWTHORN
SUN APR 28 4:00PM - MCG
ROUND 08 V GWS GIANTS
SAT MAY 04 1:45PM - SCG
ROUND 09 V FREMANTLE
TBC - SCG
TBC
ROUND 20 V WESTERN BULLDOGS
TBC TBC - SCG
ROUND 21 V PORT ADELAIDE
TBC
TBC - ADELAIDE OVAL
ROUND 22 V COLLINGWOOD
FRI MAY 10
TBC
ROUND 10 V CARLTON
ROUND 23 V ESSENDON
7:40PM - SCG
TBC - MARVEL STADIUM
6:20PM - OPTUS STADIUM
FRI MAY 17 ROUND 11 V WESTERN BULLDOGS
THU MAY 23 7:30PM - MARVEL STADIUM
TBC - SCG
TBC
ROUND 24 V ADELAIDE CROWS
TBC TBC - SCG
ROUND 12
BYE
*All times are local to venue. Pride Game held in Sydney. Fixture TBC.
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