Recently we asked for your suggestions on items and events that should be added to the newly-established Swans Heritage List.
When the inaugural list was unveiled at the Hall of Fame dinner in April, Swans chairman Richard Colless said he wanted members and supporters to be integrally involved in deciding future inclusions.
The suggestions poured in from passionate Swans fans, and we’re pleased to list some of those below.
Belinda Tesoriero wrote:
I would suggest that the 'Bloods' ethos be listed as a Swans Heritage Item. I think the 'Bloods' ethos encapsulates everything that the former South Melbourne teams stood for, as well as the current team. All credit to Roos, Maxfield, Brett Kirk and co for ensuring this legacy continues.
Elaine Brook wrote:
Bob Skilton receiving his 3rd Brownlow Medal at Ringside, Festival Hall in Melbourne, sporting two black eyes!
Peter Harris wrote:
1955 - Fred Goldsmith’s Brownlow win, playing at full back; The team that pioneered the (Sydney) Swans from 1982; 1996 Grand Final appearance, the first for 51 years
Phil Diamataris wrote:
Bobby Skilton’s three Brownlow Medals; Tony Lockett’s Right boot - the one that kicked the goal kicking record; The Lake Oval Heritage Grandstand & Turnstiles (currently under restoration). These are the only things remaining that date back to the days the Swans (South Melbourne) played in Melbourne; A rare Premiership souvenir glass celebrating South Melbourne’s 1933 Premiership - in my possession; Geoffrey Edelstein Era - Even though it nearly sent the club to the wall, we enjoyed some great on field results with many finals appearances. This lesson set us up for what we are now; The Tony Lockett piglet that was released onto the ground.
Peter McMahon wrote:
My suggestion is a bruised and bloodied Brett kirk showing the spirit Swan players take to the field every time they put on the red and white jumper.
Dr Don Bradmore wrote:
I believe that that, in years to come, the most potent and powerful Swans symbol of all will be the ‘Sydney Opera House’ emblem on the jersey.
The Towers family wrote:
The scene in George Street Sydney when the Swans were presented the keys to the city after the 2005 premiership win!!!
Phillip Reid wrote:
Either as a Hall Of Famer or a Heritage List icon... We have to mention Kenny, the silver fox, giving everything for the club. Drinks at training, giving the boys a pat on the bum or busting a lung, belting out our song after a win..Kenny Williams, What a legend!!
Dr Robyn Davidson suggested:
Graham Teasdale's Brownlow bow tie and suit (above right)
Max Robertson wrote:
Thanks from all Swans fans for letting us have a vote. My best are Leo Barry’s 2005 grand final mark (please note this was on the inaugural Heritage List), and next is Nick Davis’ four goals in the last quarter of the 2005 semi-final. And Brett Kirk’s quote, “THIS IS FOR THE BLOODS!’’
Tracy Atkins, Bloods fan for life, wrote:
I think that if you are going to add something to the Heritage List you can’t go past the day Rod Carter took the ball from fullback and ran down the wing at the SCG and kicked the first and only goal of his career.,I was there that day and will never forget it as he was my year 7 teacher at Cleveland St High School.
Other highlights could include the day the pig was released onto the ground with the number 4 of Tony Lockett (Plugger) on its side, or the day Daryn Creswell hurt his knee and he sat there slapping the kneecap back in.
You also can’t go past Plugger kicking the point to put us into the 1996 grand final.
We’d love to hear more of your suggestions, so please post them in the commentary box below. The best suggestions will be placed on the website, and we will have a voting process later in the year.
There are already six items on the Heritage List, announced in April by Richard Colless, and these are:
1. Leo Barry’s extraordinary mark at the end of the 2005 Grand Final
2. The Club song "Cheer Cheer'' based on the Notre Dame Victory March
3. Lake Oval in South Melbourne which was the Swans home ground for 100 years until 198
4. The Swan emblem which came about in 1933 after a prominent journalist facetiously referred to the Club as the Swans because it had recruited so many players from Western Australia, where the Black Swan was the state emblem
5. The red and white striped jumper worn in 1880 (which was reprised during last night’s game against Carlton)
6. Long-standing principal corporate partner, QBE Insurance, which began its support in the 1980s when the Club was at one of its lowest points.
“Through our website, members and supporters will be able to nominate items they believe are worthy of inclusion on the Swans Heritage List, and supporters will be able to vote on those nominations,’’ the Chairman said at the Hall of Fame.
Everything associated with the Club from 1874 on will be eligible for inclusion on the Swans Heritage List - apart from individuals, as they are recognised in the Hall of Fame.
Richard Colless says: “The type of items that might be on the Heritage List include physical and tangible things such as a football ground, a grandstand or a locker room. It could be a piece of apparel, a photo, or a flag, trophy or song.
“But it could also be something more intangible, such as a moment from a game, or an entire game.”
From next year, the Hall of Fame inductions and the addition of items to the Swans Heritage List will be incorporated into the annual Jumper Presentation before the start of the season.
Please submit your suggestions in the commentary box below. The best suggestions will be placed on the website, and we will have a voting process later in the year.
Some other early suggestions for next year’s list include:
• The 4 Premiership Cups
• The logos of the Club since 1874
• Twenty One (21) Swans players who died in Active Service
• All eleven Swans Brownlow Medallists
• 1918 original Herald Newspaper featuring our 1918 Premiership
• Tadgh Kennelly’s jig at the 2005 Grand Final
• Bob Pratt’s 150 goals in 1934, which is still the AFL/VFL record
• Warwick Capper’s shorts!
• Jumpers - vertical stripes 1904-6; white with red diagonal sash 1907-20/1922-31; red and white 1921; white with red V 1932-86
• Number 14
• Infrastructure such as the SCG, Ladies Stand
• Paul Roos victory speech at the MCG in 2005
• Tony Lockett’s record-breaking 1300th goal
