Throughout the week I had many opportunities to interact with the Sydney Swans staff members and players. I was able to tour and use their new office in Moore Park which has incredible and modern facilities. As it was the Marn Grook game at the SCG, my week consisted of many unique and challenging activities that opened my eyes to the working world in football and with the Sydney Swans.
To start the week off, I was privileged enough to partake in the club’s Cultural Immersion session, run by the Gujaga Foundation on Bidjigal country at La Perouse. The morning began with a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony and cultural dance. We participated in language and dance lessons as well as a scenic cultural walk. My favourite part was when the primary school children from Le Perouse Public School, taught us language skills, unique to the Bidjigal community.
I worked with the Swans team dietician, Elise Anderson, to help create a video for the players that included nutritious, simple, and tasty recipes that they can easily make at home to keep their bodies fuelled and help with recovery. The club has a nutrition Instagram page for the players and the taste testing of being involved with seeing how this content is put together was a perk of this task!
I also attended Isaac Heeney’s press conference for the week which was an insightful and educational experience from both a media and player point of view. I was then entrusted to transcribe his quotes from the press conference which was then published on the Sydney Swans website and across the Swans social channels.
Throughout the week I also attended player training sessions at the SCG. I was able to see the experiences of what the players go through day-to-day for their training sessions, witness them interacting with their fans post training as well as capture content for the Swans media team.
On my final day at the Swans, I was fortunate enough to attend the unveiling of the Adam Goodes Sculpture, it was an honour to be able to participate in something so historic. It was also a major highlight to be part of the Marn Grook game, on Friday night at the SCG. I participated in many behind-the-scenes activities both on and off the field and met Cyggy the Swans mascot. I watched the game from the media box at the SCG which was a great view and saw what the Swans media team and the working media do during a game. It was a highly competitive game and thankfully I witnessed the Swans triumph by 26 points. The win left the team and staff members in high spirits for the rest of the night, which was a great way to end my week.
My week at the Sydney Swans was incredible! Everyone I worked with was extremely welcoming, patient and inclusive while I asked questions and engaged in all things Sydney Swans as well as the Marn Grook activities. I am forever grateful for the opportunities this week has given me and the unique connections I have made with the most incredible and passionate people. Thank you, Sydney Swans, for having me and I hope to come back someday soon.
