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 earlier this week when the club hosted the 2022 Sydney Swans Guernsey Presentation, presented by Volkswagen.

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.

A special moment in every player’s career, the players were presented with their guernseys by former Swans coach and player Rick Quade and we captured the thoughts and emotions of our four draftees.

Corey Warner

Western Australian draftee Corey Warner was presented guernsey number 37, once held by club legend Adam Goodes.

“It’s something I’ve waited my whole life for, so it’s a massive moment with a heap of emotions,” Warner said.

“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.”

“It’s an absolute privilege and gives me the extra motivation to carry on his legacy,” Warner added. 

Lachie Rankin

Lachie Rankin was presented jumper 41, a number worn by Shane Mumford and most recently worn by teammate Hayden McLean.

“It’s a pretty special moment,” Rankin said.

“Having been at the club for a couple of months now, it’s a great opportunity and I’m just extremely grateful to be here.

“To have my family here, in this intimate setting with the players, our teammates and the club, has been special.” 

Matty Roberts

South Australian draftee Matt Roberts was presented with jumper 34, the number most recently worn by Jordan Dawson.

The number was worn my Premiership players Bert Beard and Alex Johnson as well as 155-gamer Troy Luff.

“This means everything and is a dream come true moment for me,” Roberts said.

“To finally get my hands on the guernsey, it’s all starting to feel real now and I cant wait to get stuck into the season.

“It’s an extra special moment to have my mum and dad here to share this moment with me.”

Angus Sheldrick

Western Australian draftee Angus Sheldrick, who was pick 18 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, was presented with jumper 29.

Most previously worn by George Hewett, it’s also the number of Premiership players Chip Turner, Dinny Kelleher and Martin Mattner and 213 gamer David McLeish.

“It’s really nice to receive this tonight. You obviously want to get your first guernsey for a debut game but this is really nice to get one with the other draftees and the rest of the team,” Sheldrick said.

“The borders are still shut in Western Australia so to be able to have my family here is really nice and it shows me what it means to them, to be able to come ove here in the circumstances.”

See the full gallery from the 2022 Guernsey Presentation in the gallery below.