The Sydney Swans received an emphatic reception in Melbourne on Friday afternoon, when the team took part in the annual AFL Grand Final Parade.

There was plenty of red and white amongst the tens of thousands of fans who descended on the streets of Melbourne for the parade, which began outside the Arts Centre in the heart of the city and culminated at the Old Treasury Building.

New recruit Lance Franklin was without a doubt a fan favourite for the thousands of the Swans supporters in attendance, while Lewis Jetta, accompanied by his two children Lewis Junior and Daisy, also caught the attention of the Swans faithful.

Speaking to SwansTV during the parade, Jetta said it was an unbelieve experience to be able to share his special moment with his kids.

“It makes it more exciting to be able to have the kids with me,” Jetta said.

“It’s amazing, because last time ‘Junior’ was asleep the whole way, so today is a beautiful day and they’re both awake so it’s just so good.

The parade was a familiar experience for many Swans this week, with 15 players from the club’s 2012 Premiership side set to take part in this year’s Grand Final.

Dan Hannebery, who was not spoilt for attention sitting alongside his great mate ‘Buddy’ during the parade, said the Grand Final experience was even better the second time around.

“I love getting back down here to see my family and friends and it’s certainly a great day for the players,” he said.

“I’ve obviously done it before, but there really is no better feeling than taking it all in today.

“It’s really important for the guys who haven’t been a part of it to enjoy it and soak it all up.

“It’s a great experience.”

For six Swans players, this year’s parade was their first taste of Grand Final week, with Ben McGlynn, Kurt Tippett, Gary Rohan, Jake Lloyd, Harry Cunningham and Dane Rampe all experiencing the biggest week in AFL football for the first time.

Rampe, who will line up for just his 48^th AFL game on Saturday, told SwansTV the hype surrounding this year’s Grand Final exceeded his expectations.

“I can’t believe it,” he said.

“When I opened the paper this morning there was about 20 pages dedicated to it in the paper, and people that I haven’t seen since primary school are coming out of the woodwork and have been letting me know that they are very proud of me.

“It’s so good having a lot of a support and I’m just really proud to be here.”

Rampe said he and his team mates were able to blow out their Grand Final nerves ahead of the parade on Friday morning, when the team trained on the MCG ahead of Saturday’s decider.

“It was good to get out and have a session in the morning at the MCG,” he said.

“I think that just got a few of the nerves out by getting a touch of the footy, and I think we’ve really set ourselves up for a big day tomorrow.”


Adam Goodes and Lewis Jetta with Lewis Junior and Daisy