It is 1997 and Tommy Dean is sitting at the SCG – behind the goals, right on the fence – soaking wet from the stormy clouds above.

Dean, an American-born now Sydney residing comedian, can’t remember who the Swans played that afternoon but was fixated on the action nonetheless.

He was engrossed by the Swans, in particularly the actions of one man. That man was none other than ‘Captain Courageous’ himself, Paul Kelly.

“I just watched Kelly on hands and knees, under packs, ripping balls out all day…it was unbelievable,” Dean said.

Kelly could very well be credited with starting many Sydneysiders’ love affair with the Swans. Among those is Dean who stated, "that’s when I knew ‘the game’.”

It was a moment which also began Dean’s love for the Swans’ famous home ground.

He described the stadium as a “soul point”, a home away from home for the Arizona-raised performer and a meeting place to enjoy one of his many passions adopted after relocating to Australia all those years ago.

Dean was lucky enough to be at the SCG on June 6, 1999, when Tony Lockett kicked his 1300th goal against Collingwood – an experience he struggled to comprehend at the time and one he’ll never soon forget.

“I just couldn’t believe how crazy that day was,” Dean said.

“It’s rare to see it in American football…that was just one of those once in a lifetime moments where the whole community, the whole city, was on the field at the one time.

“It was outrageous.”

For more on Dean and his passion for the Swans, take a look at the SwansTV production above.

Stay tuned for more episodes in our In The Blood series over the coming weeks.