Nick Davis’ 2005 semi-final heroics, Adam Goodes’ admirable courage in the face of racism and Lance Franklin’s countless miraculous goals all spring to mind when Greg Woodhead reflects on his best memories from 20 years in the hot seat.
The 56-year-old has missed just three games as the Sydney Swans’ home-match ground announcer since stepping behind the microphone in 2000, making him a 241-game veteran with the 250-match milestone in his sights.
Woodhead has witnessed a trove of priceless history since taking up his position high in the Brewongle Stand.
“Nick Davis’ fourth quarter in the 2005 semi-final – that would be the moment that sticks in my mind the most,” Woodhead said.
“It looked for all money that Geelong were home, but Davis then kicked four goals in the last quarter and all the Geelong players were on their haunches in tears. It was an amazing individual quarter. The Swans wouldn’t have won the premiership if he hadn’t done that in the semi-final. That would have to be up there in the club’s history as one of the best individual efforts in a quarter in a big game. I think that is fair to say.”
While Woodhead admits it was heartbreaking to see Goodes forced into retirement amid relentless booing, the Sydneysider will never forget the enormous strength of character the Swans great displayed.
“The Adam Goodes controversy stands out and I saw his documentary, The Final Quarter, the other day, which was amazing,” Woodhead said.
“Adam Goodes was incredibly brave in coming out and standing up for his Indigenous heritage in the way he did.
“He was also one of my favourite Swans players of all time. He was an absolute star.”
Franklin himself has long treated SCG and ANZ Stadium crowds to an endless highlights reel.
“It’s incredible when he’s on the boundary and he’s on the run and he kicks a goal from 50 metres out,” Woodhead said.
“You just scratch your head in bewilderment. He’s a ripper. He is a Rolls-Royce of our game when he is firing and of course another fine Indigenous player.”
A 38-year-old Woodhead landed in the ground announcer’s chair on the back of audio work for the 2000 Olympic Games.
The Victorian had announced for the Olympic shooting trials before earning a call-up for the Games’ gold-medal indoor volleyball matches.
He has a long and fruitful background in radio announcing and television that’s shipped him off to Bendigo, Shepparton, Deniliquin, Sydney and a host of other areas.
Woodhead says he’s thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to ply his craft at Swans home games.
“Every weekend of every year I have loved that job. It’s a great job. I don’t look at it as a job; I look at it more as a passion. It’s something I look forward to every week,” Woodhead said.
“There’s creative license and that’s probably the most enjoyable part of the job. When Hawthorn was playing at the SCG this year I had a bit of a dig at the Hawks and said they were feeling the pinch, referencing the controversial pinching saga surrounding Ben Stratton. So the opportunity to be a wordsmith is good fun, and the opportunity to have a bit of fun with the crowd and throw in some light entertainment is what I enjoy.
“We’re putting on a show for anywhere between 25,000 and 40,000. I like to think we’re fairly corporate in our approach. We try to put on a polished, professional performance every time we work at a Swans game. It’s light-hearted and there’s a lot of fun and it seems to work really well.”
