Explore the incredible experiences, chance encounters and special moments that shape our supporters in Member Stories, presented by Lifeblood.
“I couldn’t imagine barracking for another team.”
This season Lillian Connolly-Keck is celebrating 20 years as a member of the Sydney Swans. Her support for the red and white extends across many grand final appearances, a global pandemic, Buddy1000 and of course, our 150th anniversary.
For the NSW-born supporter she thanks her father, David who is also celebrating two decades as a member this season. Admittedly a former Melbourne Demons from Victoria, David was an instant convert watching his daughter fall in love with the game.
“I lived in Melbourne for the first 30 years of my life… Melbourne were winning, so I barracked for Melbourne from a very young age,” he recalled to Sydney Swans Media
“Lily, particularly around the Olympic Games, got really interested in sports. She was only about six or seven.
“She was just watching everything from fencing to lawn bowls. And I think we must have been watching the football on the TV one day, and she found out the Swans were the Sydney team.”
Lily and David were fortunate to have joined in 2005 ahead of the club’s drought-breaking premiership. But for Lily, her favourite memory in red and white was experiencing the Buddy1000 frenzy.
On March 25 in Round 2 of the 2022 season, Lance Franklin slotted four goals to secure a historic 1000th goal milestone. Fans storming the field a rarely seen tradition.
“I ran down to the ground with my boyfriend and we got to Buddy as he was carried off by other players which was really exciting,” she said.
David echoed this, calling the occasion “memorable”.
For 11 years, the family duo has sat in the Brewongle Stand as reserved seat members, adamant it’s the best spot in the SCG to watch the AFL. Home games have become a weekend ritual.
“Dad will bring a thermos of tea and some snacks and then we'll get together and catch up before the game starts,” Lillian said.
David added, “I think it's great I have something in common with my kids and being able to go with Lily all the time. It’s just fantastic.”
After two decades of unwavering support Lily says the community spirit and club culture is what has them returning year after year.
“I love that what the club stands for and that it's such a healthy and kind environment - you see young kids going.
