For avid Sydney Swans fan Ben Engel, missing a home game is simply not an option.
In the 2012 season, Engel was in the stands for every Sydney home game, including all three ANZ Stadium matches, as well as the memorable Preliminary Final win over Collingwood.
“I enjoy going because it’s a good atmosphere and everyone is into it, but there isn’t too much agro,” Engel said about attending Swans home games.
“I particularly like the SCG, because it’s a really good crowd and you’re really close to the players and we quite enjoy the atmosphere.”
Engel’s loyalty was recognised by the Swans this season, when he was selected as one of the winners in the club’s ‘Attend 11’ competition, for members who attended every home match in 2012. Over 1,200 members were eligible for the draw.
As an Attend 11 winner, Engel was awarded a match guernsey, which was worn by his favourite Swan, Lewis Jetta.
“I’m a pretty big fan of Jetta’s so I was quite chuffed when I got it,” he said.
“It’s great but I’m definitely not wearing it - I’ve got plans to put it in a frame and hang it on the wall, but I need to get it done!”
Engel plans to attend just as many home games this season using his Gold 11 membership, which he is funding through Swans Smart Pay.
Swans Smart Pay allows members to pay by monthly instalments with no additional charges, and also allows for memberships to automatically roll over into the next year.
Engel is again in the running to win big with the Swans in 2013, with all Swans Smart Pay users going into the draw to win a trip to New Zealand to see the Sydney Swans take on St Kilda on ANZAC Day in the first home and away clash outside of Australia.
Engel said he found Smart Pay to be the best option for him to sign on with the Swans each year.
“It suited me because of the ease of use and the fact that I don’t need to worry about it,” he said.
“It all just happens and I don’t have to think about it, and I know I’m happy to keep paying for it.”
The avid Swans fan added that the Smart Pay rollover feature was particularly convenient, and meant he did not have to go through the membership re-signing process each year.
“My account just rolled over from last year and I just preferred it that way,” Engel said.
“For the Swans I was quite happy for my membership to just roll over year-on-year because then I didn’t even need to think about it happening.”
Simply select Swans Smart Pay on your membership form or when you sign up online at sydneyswans.com.au/membership for your chance to cheer the Swans to victory in New Zealand.
For more information on the benefits of Swans Smart Pay, please click here. Terms and conditions apply.
