On Friday, September 27 the Sydney Swans AFLW side will run out onto Mission Whitten Oval wearing the iconic red V. The moment will mark a new evolution for the guernsey and write a new chapter of history for South Melbourne and the Sydney Swans.
South Melbourne Football Club was established in 1874 but red and white wasn’t worn until 1880. Five decades later and the red V was introduced.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, AFLW co-captain Lucy McEvoy spoke of its significance for the women’s side.
“The history that it holds and the stories that come along with it, we’re so lucky at the Sydney Swans to be able to hear those stories and feel like we’re adding to that rich history,” McEvoy shared.
McEvoy is also set to runout in her 50th career match, making the moment even more special.
The original guernsey was made from a heavy woollen material with long sleeves and red cuffs and although the design is unlike anything currently seen in modern AFL, it was what the team achieved wearing the jumper that affirmed its place in the history books.
The club broke a ten-year finals drought in 1932, before going on to win the premiership in 1933. South Melbourne played four successive grand finals from 1933 to 1936 and continued to wear the red V until 1986.
Made famous by Bloods legends including Bob Skilton, Peter Bedford and Bob Pratt the jumper saw a brief showing for heritage matches. Hailing from Victoria, number 25 Sofia Hurley has a unique connection to the Swans outside of the AFLW, as a South Melbourne Districts junior.
“I played juniors at the South Melbourne Districts in Albert Park, which is where the club started, so I’ve always had a soft spot for the Swans,” Hurley said.
“[I’ve met] Peter Bedford who was a Brownlow Medal winner for South Melbourne. I wore the red V as a junior so I’m very excited to wear it now.”
In a bid to unite fans during the 2021 COVID-affected season, the red V made an official return as the team’s away strip when the club made a temporary relocation to Melbourne. In 2022 it was announced the team would wear the red V for all Victorian games moving forward.
Swans midfielder Maddy Collier is a lifelong fan of the club and is excited to wear the strip for the first time.
“I’ve been a Swans fan my whole life, so it’s really cool to say to my family and friends that I get to wear the red V.”
The AFLW side will wear the red V in Round 5 against the Western Bulldogs on Friday, September 27 and in Round 6A against Essendon on Wednesday, October 2.
