In the lead up to Pride Game at the SCG between the Sydney Swans and St Kilda on Saturday night we learn more about the passion of some of the members of the Rainbow Swans.
Throughout the week on sydneyswans.com.au we will bring you profile pieces on some of the members that make up the club’s official LGBTIQ supporter group.
The latest member we caught up with was Georgina Hibberd.
When did you start supporting the Swans?
I've followed their progress for a long time but became much more focused in my support when my son started playing Australian Football in 2010. The Swans visited his school and he came home and said "I want to play AFL Mum". They won him over in one afternoon.
Why did you begin supporting the Swans?
It's my local team! I've always been interested in footy. My father played Australian Football when he was younger as he lived in Broken Hill, my brothers played a bit in the 80s and I watched the VFL on telly as a kid. When my son started playing it seemed like the obvious option to start going to Swans games in earnest.
What has been your favourite memory of supporting the Swans?
2012 Grand Final. We thought it was some kind of miracle when we got tickets to the game (the first year we were Members), and then to win it. I had to explain to my son that some people don't get to see their team in a grand final in their lifetime, let alone win one, so to see it at age 9 was a privilege. (The recent win over Essendon has quickly become one of my favourite memories).
Who are your favourite players and why?
McVeigh and McGlynn.
McVeigh is class. He's calm and shown incredible resilience. There is no rubbish, just utter professionalism. I am glad he's back in the side but I can see it may be his last year.
I have a soft spot for shorter players (being on the short side myself) and I loved McGlynn's firey, determined way of going about it. I was heartbroken for him, again, when we lost last year. Tom Papley is his heir apparent in my mind.
What is it you most love about supporting the Swans?
I just love footy. I'll be honest: the Swans probably won me over because they're my local team. If I moved to Melbourne though I would still be a Sydney fan. I have lived here for over 20 years, I will always be Sydney. I love the way they play, I love their no dickheads policy, I love being part of something that Eddie McGuire hates. Someone has to do it.
What does Pride Game mean to you?
I've always felt comfortable going to Swans game with my partner, I've never felt the club or the environment was intimidating or a problem. It's important to have a Pride Game now as we still live in a country that will not allow me to get married. (My partner and I married in the US when it became legal there because we didn't want to wait for permission anymore). Men's football in Australia is a place where same sex relationships are not openly talked about. This was not the case in the AFLW. This may be because male footballers are expected to militantly adhere to the stereotype whereas female footballers have to break stereotypes just to play. The Pride Game is a reminder that we exist, we go to football, and there are no doubt gay men playing AFL. That's what I love about Australian Football: it's for everyone.
What does being a member of the Rainbow Swans mean to you?
I was a member of a lesbian soccer club for many years and I think it's important to be visible. It's not about separating yourselves from the mainstream or making a big deal of things, it's about being proud of who you and sticking together. There are no doubt many people who love football and feel excluded. Groups like the Rainbow Swans let them know that it's ok to be who you are and love football. The two are not incompatible.
