We are looking forward to Member Recognition round in Round 21 at the SCG and want to share our Members' memories, as we know there are some fantastic stories out there! If you have a memory you would like to share, email us at swansmembership@sydneyswans.com.au or post on your Instagram and tag @sydneyswans.
Brian Reis’ Swans Story
After being demobbed from the RAAF in 1942 I went to Melbourne to spend a week with great friends, Lance & Rita Hickey, at Albert Park. They were South Melbourne fanatics, and had been all their lives. Lance even went to the training days and dragged me along with him one day.
I was impressed by the team’s enthusiasm and on the following Saturday went along to see my first game between South Melbourne and Richmond – and what a game it was. I was hooked, well and truly. Incidentally, the “bloods” won by a narrow margin.
My friends made sure I saw several more games and Rita presented me with a home knitted red & white scarf. It was a memorable few days.
After that, Sunday was spent listening to the radio replay of the game and it was a case of locking the front door (no visitors) and taking the phone off the hook (no interruptions). I was well and truly introduced to AFL and especially to South Melbourne. I remember that there was a large picture of Bobby Skilton in the hallway at Albert Park and a slight nod of the head was expected as you passed by.
I could not believe my luck when the “Bloods” moved to Sydney (our home at the time) and became the Swans.
With a family of boys, footy was always on the winter menu, so I had plenty of company to share my passion for the game. My wife, Nonee, realised that she was outnumbered at the TV so became a very passionate supporter and acquired a very good knowledge and enthusiasm for the game.
The highlight of my years on the sideline must surely be attending the 2005 Grand Final with my sons Robert and Edward, watching “Leaping Leo” take the mark of the century and win the first premiership in 72 years!
And so, after 75 years, I am still as passionate about my red and whites and, at 93, still cheering for the “Swannies”.
I am delighted that our grandson, David, is keeping the “banner high” and is employed at the Club.
GO THE SWANNIES!!!!
Brian and Nonee Reis still cheer on the Swans from their home on the Gold Coast, running the family tipping competition with three generations of Reis’ competing for Brian’s highly sought-after homemade trophy.
