The Sydney Swans family was out in force with corporate and media partners joining football staff and players for the 2017 QBE Season Launch on Wednesday evening.

Hundreds gathered at the QBE offices overlooking the city of Sydney as preparations ramp up in the lead up to the season.

Players mingled with media personalities, club ambassadors and corporate partners to launch the 2017 season.

QBE interim chief executive of Australia and New Zealand Operations Pat Regan said he was excited about what lied ahead for the Swans.

“I am very pleased to be surrounded by wider Swans family and corporate partners in as we celebrate the start of a new season,” Regan said.

“It is about focusing on the year ahead but it is important to note that 2016 was such a good year for our partnership both on and off the field.”

Sydney Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland said the Club was grateful for the ongoing support from their commercial partners in particular QBE.

“We have been very fortunate to have a company like QBE support us and the club wouldn’t be here today without that support,” he said.

“We have played in three of the last five grand finals so we do know that at our best we match any other team in the competition.”

“The reality is we start the season even with seventeen other clubs and a big task ahead of us.”

The club’s first official hit out of the year will take place against North Melbourne in the first JLT Community Series match at Coffs Harbour on Sunday, February 19.

Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland addresses the crowd at the 2017 Season Launch.

Patrick Regan addresses the crowd at the 2017 QBE Season Launch.