On the eve of the season opener, Ben Broad walks you through the club’s off-season news
On the eve of the Sydney Swans’ season opener against West Coast at Telstra Stadium on Saturday night, Ben Broad walks you through the club’s off-season news.10. Baaaaalllll – yeeeeeaaaaahhh!!! Former Sydney Swans premiership ruckman Jason Ball was elected unopposed to the club’s board in early February. Feeling he could add a fresh voice to the table as a recently-retired player, Bally put his hand up for a spot on the board and got the nod.9. Welcome to the familyThe Swans family continued to grow over the summer. While Michael O’Loughlin became a Dad to daughter Taya during last year’s finals and Darren Jolly and wife Deanne had Swans fans chewing their fingernails in the lead-up the Grand Final, baby fever continued over the summer. Ben Mathews, Brett Kirk and new Swan ‘Spida’ Everitt have all celebrated new births since last season to ensure some sleepless nights for the red and whites.8. New rulesWhile many fans, coaches and players called on the AFL rules committee to ease up on their willingness to tamper with the rules, it hasn’t happened. Many have been critical already in 2007 of the new interpretation of the law which doesn’t allow a player to place his hands on his opponent’s back during a marking contest. Time will tell as to how the change will be viewed.7. TV rights deal doneAfter months of to-ing and fro-ing, Channels 10, 7 and Foxtel finally agreed to terms with the AFL in early February, putting the final touches on the richest television broadcast deal in the history of Australian sport. Opinion is divided on the result, which AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou says gives footy followers in all parts of Australia easier access to watch the game.6. The Swans on the bus go …The profile of the Sydney Swans just continues to grow. It almost seems like you can’t go anywhere in Sydney these days without seeing images of Barry Hall or Adam Goodes posted somewhere around the city. Now, you’ll even see them staring back at you as you sit at the traffic lights, with the Swans decking out a bus to carry passengers around the city while promoting the club at the same time.5. Swans lead Aussies to victoryFive Sydney Swans played a part in the International Rules series, with four coming away with a win from the spiteful contests. Irishman Tadhg Kennelly impressed for the home side while Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Schneider and Nick Davis did likewise for the Australians. Barry Hall was also inspirational and captained the side in game two – a 38-point win to Australia.4 . Glimpse into the futureWhile trade time was perhaps the Swans’ biggest coup last year, Paul Roos added to his impressive young list by picking up a bunch of talented youngsters at last year’s AFL national draft. Daniel O’Keefe (pick 15), Daniel Currie (49), Peter Faulks (65) and Jesse White (79) have all showed glimpses during the off-season, while new rookies Nick Smith, Matt O’Dwyer and Luke Brennan all look capable of developing into regular stars of the future.3. Brighter start in 2007What is going on in the Harbour City? It’s early spring and the Swans are winning games – something that hasn’t occurred in past years. Yep, that’s right, the red and whites went 3-2 during their pre-season campaign. A creditable loss to an impressive Western Bulldogs line-up and wins over Collingwood (twice) and Richmond, combined with the list appearing to be in better shape overall, has Swans fans optimistic about the season ahead.2. Longmire in chargeThere was a reshuffle among the Swans assistant coaches during the off-season. While Ross Lyon departed to take up the helm at St Kilda and John Blakey joined the assistants team from Brisbane, perhaps the biggest change came in the form of John Longmire filling the role of coaching coordinator. That meant Longmire took charge during most of the pre-season, furthering his own development while giving senior coach Paul Roos the chance to take a backward step.1. The big man arrivesAfter a year of “will he or won’t he?” the Swans finally got their man when former St Kilda and Hawthorn champ Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt was traded north. Everitt is just what the Swans need, and his pairing with Darren Jolly is likely to see the 2005 premiers challenge strongly again for this year’s title. Although 32, Spida is still arguably the best tap ruckman in the game and he is eager to prove his worth in a new jumper.
Best of the Best, presented by bitcoin.com.au - Round 17
Looking back at one of the most incredible Swans games in recent memory, as the club celebrated Lance Franklin's 300th game, and bid farewell to legends Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack.
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Students experience AFL for the first time
During the Sydney Swans Round 13 clash with Geelong, a group of 150 students and families from Hurstville enjoyed their first ever AFL game. As part of a major initiative, former Sydney Swans player and AFL Educator Specialist Lloyd Perris is bringing AFL to new audiences and young fans. Vision courtesy of AFL.
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An empowering reminder on why Pride Game is so important
Sydney Swans Communications Manager Hayley Falkiner delivered an empowering speech to players and staff on why Pride Game means so much to her and her family.
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Rainbow Swans and Twenty10 visit Swans training
Ahead of our annual Pride Game fixture against St Kilda, the Sydney Swans were paid a visit by the Rainbow Swans and Diversity Action Plan partner, Twenty10.
Get your free Sydney Swans shirt and get DURO-TOUGH for your chance to win $10,000
Heading to Round 18? You don’t want to miss out on this.
Gowans ready to test full squad strength
Sydney Swans AFLW senior coach Scott Gowans talks ahead of the 2024 season.
Expert Tipping: Which teams will shake up the ladder in Round 17?
With just four points separating fifth and 13th place, it's anyone's game.
Hall of Fame Bio: Tony Lockett
As we reflect on the club's 150 year history, which began in South Melbourne in 1874 and then to the harbour city in 1982, we will take a look back each week and feature our Sydney Swans Hall of Fame.
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