To our Swans family,
Our thoughts are with with every one of you as we continue to navigate our way through a year that has challenged every aspect of our lives. We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and our industry is united in ensuring that we continue lead by example.
We have some good news today, with the AFL confirming the date when footy will return.
Training is set to resume on Monday, with Round 2 games to commence on Thursday, June 11. We don’t know who we’re playing yet, but we’re excited. The fixture will be released in blocks of 4-6 weeks and we expect to have the first block within the next 10 days.
The AFL has worked closely with state and federal governments, as well as health authorities, to develop strict protocols to protect players, staff, and the community more broadly. All returning staff and players will be subject to rigorous testing for COVID-19. To that end, if you haven’t already, I encourage you to download the government’s Covidsafe app. It will likely play an important role in mitigating the spread of the virus.
The return of the game we all love is a step towards some sort of normality, but a return to training and playing won’t mean a return to normal.
We remain unsure when fans will be able to come back to matches, and this may still be some way off. Fans make the game and the team is going to miss having you in the stands. Please cheer loudly from wherever you are watching. Membership items have begun arriving this week for those who were due to collect them on match day and we know you will be wearing the red and white with pride.
To our members and partners – especially those who have already pledged their support as a Bloods 2020 Member – thank you. We have been blown away by the support we have received since this began. The uncertainty surrounding the season has been difficult, so thank you for your patience and understanding.
To those who are yet to pledge their support, we ask you to stand with us. It’s been a tough year for our football club, and we have a long way to go. But we have overcome incredibly tough times before and risen to become a club that is respected and admired for our relentless spirit and commitment to each other. That’s the Blood’s way. This is another one of those moments in our club’s history and now is our time to mark our mark.
We are Bloods and will get through this and thrive in the future, together.
As always, stay safe and look after yourself.
Cheer, cheer
Tom Harley
CEO, Sydney Swans
