The Sydney Swans threw their full weight of support behind the North Ryde Dockers after a recent fire destroyed their entire clubhouse – and the local club has continued to be inundated with “overwhelming” generosity of the footy community. 

More than 15 fire trucks and 60 firefighters rushed to the home of the Dockers on Sunday, February 17 to contain the wild blaze, before a gold-coin donation greeted fans at the gate at the Swans’ opening JLT Community Series fixture in Blacktown on Saturday night.

A host of Sydney-based clubs have since chimed in with highly appreciated contributions of their own, with the Lane Cove Cats, Kellyville Rouse Hill Magpies and St Ives all offering a helping hand.

The junior footy club of Swans veterans Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack, the Pennant Hills Demons, has pitched in itself, while the Penshurst Panthers have donated $1000 to North Ryde’s GoFundMe account.

North Ryde President Doug Whiteford, who works for Swans Principal Partner QBE and has been a member of the red and white since 2004, said the club was eternally grateful for the wide-reaching support.

“I think at any point in time that you go through something you don’t expect and that’s just absolutely shattering, to have the knowledge that people have your back is just amazing,” Whiteford told Swans Media.

“It’s a reflection on the close environment the AFL community is and that everyone takes care of each other in need.”

Sydney’s Nick Smith, Zak Jones, Sam Naismith and Tom McCartin all did their bit to help the Dockers fund-raise at Saturday’s pre-season match, with the quartet collecting donations in buckets as fans poured into Blacktown International Sportspark.

Swans fans can help the North Ryde Dockers reach their fundraising target of $20,000 by donating HERE.

The Sydney Swans Foundation is the driving force behind the club’s community work. CLICK HERE to learn more about the work of the Foundation.