The Sydney Swans have officially opened the doors to a new home in the club’s old heartland, and named it in honour of Bloods Legend, Bob Skilton OAM.
Bob Skilton House is in Cecil Street outside the iconic South Melbourne Markets, providing a hub for members and fans in the heart of South Melbourne.
The name was announced at a launch event on Friday night, attended by special guests including Bob’s granddaughter Rebecca Skilton and past players Leo Barry, Josh Kennedy, Tony Morwood, and Peter Bedford.
The epitome of the Bloods culture, Skilton played 237 games for South Melbourne in the VFL, kicking 412 goals and winning three Brownlow Medals (1959, 1963, 1968). He won the club’s best and fairest award a record nine times, and the award today – now known as the Sydney Swans Club Champion Award – bears his name.
The launch of Bob Skilton House comes ahead of Sydney’s first game in Melbourne for the year, a clash with North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham said the naming is fitting recognition of Skilton’s remarkable career and pays tribute to the club’s South Melbourne heritage.
“Bobby Skilton is a legend of our club and Australian Rules Football, who personifies our values and culture, and is revered by players, staff and supporters alike,” Pridham said.
“Our new South Melbourne home will continue to strengthen our connection to our rich South Melbourne heritage and the name, Bob Skilton House, is a fitting tribute.
“We are proud to open a base in Melbourne that our members, fans, and staff can come together and call home.”
Bob Skilton House, located at 125 Cecil St South Melbourne, houses a Swanshop and is open for merch sales, member enquiries and redemptions, from 10am-2pm Monday to Friday, and 9am-2pm on Saturdays.
