Two weeks out from the first bounce of the 2015 home and away season, the Sydney Swans have set a new membership benchmark, surpassing the 2014 membership record of 40,126.
With the NAB Challenge series concluding on Sunday, the Swans will kick of their 2015 campaign against Essendon at ANZ Stadium on April 4 at 4.35pm.
Speaking at Wednesday night’s Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh made an impassioned call for all fans to get behind the Club in 2015.
“Over 40,000 members last year, looking at 50,000 for this year – how exciting to be a part of this place,” McVeigh said.
“Who saw Luke Parker’s hanger in the preliminary final? Who saw Nick Smith chase down Lindsay Thomas when most would have given up?
“Who saw this group have over 100 tackles against Fremantle? Who saw Buddy’s goal against Port Adelaide from 70 metres out?
“To hear the SCG that loud against Port Adelaide that day was as good an atmosphere we have played in front of.
“Thank you. We need you again to get behind this team. Make Sydney a ruthless place for opposition to come to, make them uncomfortable with your voice. We can do the rest.”
Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland said he was pleased to see fans signing on in record numbers ahead of the season.
“It is going to be an exciting season and it all begins on Easter Saturday at ANZ Stadium,” he said.
“The players can’t wait for the footy to start again and our fans are clearly excited for 2015.
“We are particularly buoyed by the rise in our junior membership base and we have no doubt we will push capacity at many of our home games this season, making signing up as a member even more important.
“As Jarrad McVeigh said, and all our players agree, to hear the support from the red and white faithful at the SCG and ANZ Stadium, can make the difference.”
For more information or to sign up as a Swans member, please visit www.sydneyswans.com.au/membership.
Swans break membership record
The Sydney Swans have set an all-time membership record two weeks out from the first match of the premiership season.