Buoyed by the success of last Friday evening’s intra-club match at Henson Park, Marrickville, Sydney Swans CEO Andrew Ireland said the Club would continue to seek ways to engage with fans in Sydney’s inner west areas.

More than 1500 fans turned out to watch on as the Swans stepped up their preparations for the 2015 premiership season.

Ireland said the Club was thrilled with the turnout in Marrickville.

“Our annual intra-club game became a really great community footy event, and the atmosphere at Henson Park was just fantastic,” he said.

“We know we have a strong and passionate fan base located in the inner west areas and it was a great opportunity for us to take training right to their doorstep. We certainly wouldn’t hesitate in doing the same again.

“There are many people and organisations we would like to thank for making the game such a success.

“Both the Marrickville Council and local club the Newtown Swans were enormously helpful.

“Following on from the success at Marrickville, we hope to see another strong crowd at our NAB Challenge game against Fremantle at Drummoyne Oval next Sunday."

Ireland added that in particular, the Swans wished to thank Marrickville Council Mayor Mark Gardiner, Brian Barrett (Marrickville Council GM), Neil Strickland (Marrickville Council Director), Sean Lipsett (Marrickville Council), Steve (Henson Park groundsman) along with Newtown Jets General Manager Stuart McCarthy.

The game proved a huge success for the Newton Swans who were able to raise more than $3000 through the sausage sizzle.