1392 - that’s the number of players that have taken to the field in red and white.

142 - the years the bloods have competed for the flag.

48,836 - is how many members stood beside us last year through both triumph and adversity.

Five - to us, the most important number of all as it represents the times this club has achieved the ultimate prize.

2016. 2016 may just be another year for some, but for this club, it’s another opportunity to create history.

And while tonight marks the official launch of this season, for us 2016 began months ago. We have flogged our bodies throughout the summer challenging each other, all united in a common purpose.

Yes the locker room now looks a little different.  There is no Goodes, Pyke, Jetta or Bird and Rhyce Shaw has made his way upstairs with a coaches hat on.  These were experienced teammates, who left their imprint on our club in more ways than one.  But as sad as it is to see our mates and mentors move on, we understand that is the nature of AFL football. Their departures create opportunities for the next generation to make their mark. 

Tonight we formally welcome those new players and their families.  We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to represent such a professional organisation with a rich past.  Your role now is to uphold those responsibilities and help write the next chapter.

Callum Sinclair, Michael Talia, Tyrone Leonardis, Jordan Dawson, Colin O’Riordon,  Callum Mills, Tom Papley, Sam Murray and Kyle Galloway. You have just received your first Sydney Swans Guernsey.  Look at it, and own it.  Take pride in everything you do, as being a Sydney Swans footballer is not part time.  Buy in to our methods and you will not only become the best footballer you can be but also the best person you can be.

Last year, it was our club that stood up and said enough is enough.  It was the Red and White that spoke out against racsim and ignorance to lead a national campaign. Our mate’s battle became our battle.

Why? Because we know that our club is better than that. That our code is better than that. That we as Australians are better than that.

I am proud to say, that despite Adam Goodes no longer being a part of our playing group we will continue to fight intolerance. We will continue to educate our players and our staff in the hope of creating positive change in our society.

The cheers in the 7^th minute of the 3^rd quarter last year against Adelaide revealed to me just how powerful the Sydney Swans army can be and reinforces the impact we can have if we stand together. 

I am convinced our fans are like no others in their passion and dedication. This year we are incredibly proud to introduce the Rainbow Swans Supporter Group and celebrate the diversity of our fans.

This season is about uniting and collaborating to become better.

When the final siren sounds, there are twenty-two of us on that field but we know that there are thousands more standing with us.

If we are victorious, it’s not just us who feel the rush, it’s the football department, board members, sponsors, family and supporters. This is because everyone has a role to play. With the brutally demanding nature of AFL football when we win four points, we will all celebrate together.

The same is to be said if we lose.  There is never a more important time to unite than if we fall short.

Off the field the Sydney Swans are in good shape. For thirty years we have been extremely fortunate to have the support of QBE. In my opinion it speaks volumes about a brand that sticks by a club through ups and downs for such a period of time, especially so in an environment where corporate sponsorship constantly changes within professional sports.

I welcome Tim Plant their new CEO and we look forward to building as strong a relationship in the future. I would also like to thank presenting partner Volkswagen and Major partner Citi for their continued support this year.

It is without question, that corporately we are the envy of many sporting teams. As players we acknowledge your contribution and commitment to the club and know it is now our responsibility to uphold our end of the bargain.

Our aim is to create a club whereby companies want to sponsor us, people want to support us & teams fear coming up against us.

2016 is set to be an exciting year.

I have total confidence this current playing group has the ability to fulfill these expectations.

And in a week and a half it all begins.

Round 1, 26^th March. Saturday night against Collingwood at the SCG.

I hope you’re all ready for what’s to come.

I know we are.

Thank you