The Sydney Swans are never far from Sam Groth's mind.
A jam-packed ATP schedule has the big-serving tennis ace travelling to all parts of the world, but when the footy season arrives much of his attention turns to Australia and his beloved Swans.
It might mean watching or listening to matches on the laptop in a hotel room, or scouring the club’s Twitter feed, either way Groth remains up to date on everything Sydney Swans.
“We have a pretty heavy international schedule so I don’t get to go to too many matches,” Groth said, speaking from Australia’s Davis Cup campaign in the Czech Republic.
“A lot of the boys are big AFL supporters and we all have our subscriptions and follow it pretty closely on the road.
“It becomes a bit talking point among the boys.”
Groth, who grew up in Narrandera in southern NSW, travelled to Melbourne to watch the likes of Paul Kelly, Daryn Cresswell and Stuart Maxfield ignite the MCG.
A brush with club loyalty during his early years also fuelled the fire.
“When I was about six or seven I used to go down to games in Melbourne,” Groth said.
“I actually drove down with Tony Lockett’s uncle and my dad and we'd sit with Tony’s mum Liz in the stands and watch games.”
Groth, speaking from Australia’s Davis Cup campaign in the Czech Republic, boasts an impressive highlights package including recording the fastest serve (263 km/h) in tennis history.
When it comes to the Swans’ highlights reel, Groth can never go past one particular afternoon in 1996 when the Swans claimed a one-point thriller against Richmond.
“Obviously the premiership we won (in 2005) when Leo Barry took that mark is something I’ll never forget,” Groth said.
“Also the first game I went to in 1996 when Sydney beat Richmond by a point.
“I remember sitting on the wing and Tony Lockett made a tackle late in the game to tie things up and get us over the line.”
Groth must Big tackles and hardness at the footy must appeal to Groth. A man accustomed with both is Josh Kennedy who the 27-year-old signalled as his favourite player.
“I just love the way he goes about things,” Groth said.
“I love the way he gets in and under and gets work done.”
Groth and the Aussies got the job done in the Czech Republic on Sunday, progressing to the Davis Cup quarter-finals.
Much of what is required to win the prestigious team competition is displayed by the Swans and is largely why Groth loves the club.
“We’re a team team, which is the thing I like,” Groth said.
“Everyone has a job and everyone gets a role and everyone pulls their weight.”
