To our valued members,
Clearly things did not go the way we wanted them to on the weekend, and we know that it was bitterly disappointing for everyone. We know that you are hurting – we are all hurting. And we all feel it in different ways. Thank you to those of you who have written to us to share your emotions and experiences. We have heard you and we acknowledge and appreciate your feedback.
It is important that we firstly acknowledge the performance of the Brisbane Lions. They played a brilliant game and had a strong season. They are very deserving Premiers.
For us, the weekend’s game is still very raw. Our entire club is processing the Grand Final. Whilst I appreciate that you are looking for answers for what went wrong, we need to take time to work through this ourselves to make sure we ask the right questions.
We are united. Our players led by Callum Mills and our coaching staff led by John Longmire have represented us extraordinarily well this season. I thank them for allowing us to compete and wholeheartedly support them in defeat.
It is very important that we balance the disappointment of our performance in the grand final with what was a very strong performance throughout the year. Finishing as minor premiers and then winning two finals demonstrates that we got many things right. However, we must also address our shortcomings. We will do this in a calm and measured way.
At this time of year, it is inevitable that changes to our list occur and already you may have seen the news that Luke Parker has requested a trade to North Melbourne. We will work through that in the fullness of time. It is never easy on a player or club given the strength of relationships. Luke is a premiership player, three-time Club Champion, and a fan favourite. He and Kate will always be part of our red and white family.
One thing I do know about our club is that we are resilient. We exist for our members and your support this year has been enormous.
Amid the raw emotions, the overwhelming feeling throughout the club is one of gratitude. We have been truly overwhelmed by the support this season, from the 75,000+ people who have joined our red and white family as members, to the 500,000+ people who came to games at the SCG, and the partners who have helped us along the journey, we say thank you.
Getting to a grand final takes an enormous effort from every facet of a footy club, and we wouldn’t have got there without your support.
Later this week you will hear from our club leaders at our Club Champion event, the Bob Skilton Medal. For those unable to attend, we will live stream the evening through our club website.
Importantly, football continues. Our women’s team returns to Henson Park on Sunday for the Pride Game against Geelong. Just like our men’s team, the support for our AFLW team has been phenomenal and for that we are immensely grateful.
This season was a special one for our club, marking 150 years of the Bloods. While we didn’t have the fairy-tale finish we had been hoping for, this chapter of our story has delivered emphatic joy and heartbreaking tears – a full gamut of emotion because we all care so much. We will get through this together and be stronger as a result.
Onwards.
Tom Harley
CEO, Sydney Swans
