Seven new Sydney Swans players have received their first red and white guernsey at one of the world’s most iconic locations – the Sydney Opera House.
The 2022 Sydney Swans Guernsey Presentation, presented by Volkswagen, was held at the same location where an iconic photo of the team was taken 40 years ago, marking the club’s arrival from South Melbourne.
Draftees Gus Sheldrick, Matt Roberts, Corey Warner, and Lachie Rankin, along with recruits Paddy McCartin, Peter Ladhams and Lachlan McAndrew were joined on the night by their families, who were officially welcomed to the club.
Sydney co-captain Luke Parker said the guernsey presentation is a special moment in a player’s career.
“This is always such an incredible night,” Parker said.
“You reflect on your personal experience, getting that first guernsey and what that meant to you, and your family. It’s always special for the new players, especially this year here at this iconic Sydney landmark.”
Western Australian draftee Corey Warner was presented guernsey number 37, once held by club legend Adam Goodes.
“It’s an absolute privilege and gives me the extra motivation to carry on his legacy,” Warner said.
Warner also revealed it was a huge surprise to have his family attend the night.
“I haven’t seen my family for a couple of months now, so for them to be here from Western Australia is really special and obviously having my brother (Chad Warner) up there by my side is awesome.”
Former Sydney Swans coach and player Rick Quade was on hand to present the players with their guernseys.
Quade made his senior debut for South Melbourne in 1970. It began a long association with the club which would see him lead the Swans into uncharted territory 12 years later.
Club Champion in 1976, Quade captained the Swans from 1977 to 1979. It was during the tumultuous period leading into the 1982 season that he was appointed senior coach – a role he held as the Swans made the move from South Melbourne to Sydney.
In honour of his dedication to the club over a long period of time, Quade was named Sydney’s 2022 number one ticket holder.
Meanwhile the evening’s toast was made by another significant figure in Sydney Swans history – Dean Moore. Moore, a Sydney Swans Life Member, joined the South Melbourne Football club as team manager in the 1970s. He went on to hold several roles at the club, including head of football, and has been a key figure in the project to develop the new Sydney Swans HQ at the Royal Hall of Industries.
Ahead of the event, players recreated the historic 1982 photo on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said the gesture marks a significant year for the club.
“We are a unique club and I know that the spirit of the 1982 team is felt by the current players,” Harley said.
“Born in South Melbourne and for the past 40 years, raised in Sydney. This year is shaping as one of the most transformative in our club’s storied history with the move to our new home at the Royal Hall of Industries and the establishment of our first women’s team. It’s an exciting time for everyone who is part of our Swans family.”
The Sydney Swans kick off the 2022 season against the GWS Giants at ACCOR Stadium on March 19, before returning to play in front of a home crowd at the SCG against Geelong on March 25.
