SYDNEY Swans chiefexecutive Myles Baron-Hay said he was "absolutely delighted" with theSwans' anniversary dinner, held on Thursday night.

The event, attended by1900 guests, celebrated the 25 years since the South Melbourne Swans werereborn in Sydney.

"It was afantastic night," said Baron-Hay. "The feedback has beensensational.  We couldn't behappier". 

The night provided anopportunity to honour the turbulent history of the club since it arrived in theharbour city in 1982, and to recognise the largely unheralded contributions ofthose who helped build the club in the years that followed.

"I think 1900people walked away from that function being educated as to where this club camefrom, and what it's about, and why it is the club it is today.

"I think thenight gave everyone there an understanding of where we've come from as a cluband, in understanding that, understanding the people that have gone before uswho toiled against the odds for so long to survive."

It was an evening thatnot only celebrated the club's successes, but also acknowledged its darkermoments, including when it nearly folded on several occasions.

"The club sort ofdied a number of times; there were false starts, disappointments and adversity.But the club came through and is stronger for it. It built character, not onlyin people, but in the club as a whole."

Baron-Hay said themost important development in the club's recent history is not its on-fieldsuccess, but the culture it has developed both on-field and off.

"The chairman (RichardColless) referred to cultural wealth of the Swans, and I think that is thefoundation on which this club is based, both on and off the field.

"Ithink the fact that the culture of the club is ingrained in everyone at theclub and everything we do, I think, is the most significant thing we'vedeveloped in recent times."