The Sydney Swans are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Jim Main at age 79. Jim leaves behind a loving family and our deepest condolences go to wife Libby and his immediate family.

He will be long remembered as a devoted family man, an outstanding journalist and football historian, and a passionate South Melbourne/Sydney Swans supporter.

An Arts graduate of La Trobe University in Melbourne, Jim had a decorated career as a journalist, covering mainly Australian Rules football. He worked at the Herald, and was the Sports Editor at The Australian for over 10 years. His prowess as a sporting journalist was not limited to Aussie Rules, and Jim worked extensively overseas including at London’s Daily Express.

“ A versatile journalist with the now defunct Melbourne afternoon broadsheet newspaper, The Herald, Jim left for England by ship in 1970 and realised an ambition to work in Fleet Street, London making an immediate impression at the Daily Express.

A passionate South Melbourne supporter with particular affection for Herbie Matthews junior, Jim was assigned to the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland - the first of many international sporting events he covered with distinction. ”

–   Mike Coward, colleague and friend.

Indeed, Jim was awarded a prestigious Walkley Award for his coverage of the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh.

In 2003, Jim was inducted into the Melbourne Cricket Ground Media Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his career as a sporting journalist.

Jim was also a prodigious author and has had over 60 books published. He made an enormous contribution to ensuring the history of the game was recorded.

Perhaps his most well-known book, from a broader football perspective, is the iconic Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers, which he co-wrote with colleague Russell Holmesby.

“ I had the pleasure of knowing Jim Main for close to 40 years. I knew of his love for footy’s history, and I have no doubt that Jim’s standing as a journalist was crucial in securing a publisher for the Encyclopedia of AFL Footballers and in making the book a staple for so many followers of the game.

Jim’s enthusiasm and passion for the history of the game was only exceeded by his love of the Swans and whenever a dodgy umpiring decision went against the red and whites the whole press-box would hear about it!

I will miss his sense of humour and vast knowledge of the game and its folklore. “  

– Russell Holmesby, co-author and friend.

This book, which details every VFL/AFL player since 1897, has settled more arguments and bets between football fans Australia wide than Jimmy could have possibly imagined!

He wrote many books and articles relating to the Swans, with his standout achievement being In The Blood.

In preparation for the inaugural Swans Hall of Fame event in 2009, the Club realised the need for a comprehensive history, to fill some of the voids and dispel some myths regarding the history of the Swans.

“ We called upon Jim as Club historian and passionate supporter to take on this momentous task. Only Jim’s passion could have achieved such a brilliant compilation of the seasons, champions and accolades across the history of the Swans.

This book is given to all new players at the Club’s annual Guernsey Presentation ceremony to ensure that they are familiar with the history of our Club, one of the cornerstones of the Bloods culture. ”  

– Richard Colless, former Chairman of the Sydney Swans.

In 2013 the historical significance to the Club of In The Blood was recognised with inclusion in the Swans Heritage List.

Jim as an author was more than a one-trick pony, however, and had great success with books about crime, including Encyclopedia of Australian Murders and Hanged: Executions in Australia.

Jim’s passionate support for the Swans was legendary in AFL circles, with patrons often well aware of his attendance at matches. He was like a dog with a bone defending his beloved Bloods against the perceived injustices of the football world!

Jim had a great interest in player recruitment and drafting, with his feedback definitely in favour of taller players, which may have been considered odd given his diminutive stature! Former General Manager, the late Barry Rogers, would often refer to Jimmy as the “Angry Ant” such was his passion, but no one would have it any other way.

“ Our heartfelt condolences to Libby and family. Jim will be sadly missed by the football fraternity for his devotion to the South Melbourne/Sydney Swans, as their historian and author of “In the Blood” celebrating the Red and White 1874-2009.

We would like to acknowledge Jim’s contribution to Australian Rules Football. We were proud and privileged to have been associated with Jim for over 20 years, publishing many books by him, including the History of Fitzroy, the VFL/AFL Encyclopaedia and many more.

He was loved and admired by all who knew him. Sadly missed and never forgotten. “

- Sam and Jean Basile – publishers and friends.

One of Jim’s prized possession dating back to the early-1980s was a bottle of Barry Round Brownlow Port. He pledged it would not be opened till the Swans won a Premiership, and while it took a bit longer than what he hoped, the dream was realised and the pledge fulfilled by a very happy Jim in September of 2005. 

He truly loved the Bloods and Jim’s standing in the Club and football community was recognised by his appointment in 2009 as a member of the inaugural Selection Committee for the Swans Hall of Fame, a position he held up until his passing. He was also on the selection panel for the historic Swans Team of the Century.

One of his proudest moments was receiving Life Membership of the Club in 2014. In more recent times, Jim was a valued contributor to the Bloods For Life magazine, tracking down and profiling the Club’s past players.

“ The game is indebted to Jim Main’s vast historical contribution as a writer. Jim was a Hall of Fame selector for nine years, where he demonstrated his deep love for the game’s history. Australian football was incredibly lucky that Jim devoted so much of his working life to our game, chronicling the stories and the careers of everyone from great players, to those with a single game.

His many works were indispensable references, and on behalf of the AFL, we offer our sincere condolences to his family and many friends. ” 

-  Gillon McLachlan – CEO of the Australian Football League.

As much as Jim loved the Swans, his greatest loves were his wife Libby, who he married in 1968, their children Tim and Rosie, and their grandchildren. Tim, a member of the Australian Defence Force (mission crew in the Air Force) and his wife Kelly reside in Newcastle, while Rosie and husband Rob Johnson are in nearby Torquay.

Tim and Kelly have four children – Madeleine, Jonty, Max and Isabel –while Rosie and Rob have Ted and Jesse. All the grandkids are avid 4^th generation Swans (Jim’s parents were South Melbourne supporters), and Jim loved nothing more than to see them all decked out in red and white!     

In recent years in retirement, Jim was a very keen reader and enjoyed classical music, and always kept a close eye on his beloved Swans. He was very proud of what the Club has become and treasured the Premierships of 2005 and 2012, something he feared he would never experience. And he was very pleased with the win over North Melbourne on Sunday!  

Jim Main will be sadly missed by his family and all that knew him. His was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather, and his contribution to the game of Australian Football and the Swans was as profound as it was passionate. These will be his enduring legacies.

Vale Jimmy Main