For Adam Goodes, Wednesday night marked his 14th guernsey presentation, for Jarrad McVeigh it was his ninth and John Longmire’s tenth. But for eight young Swans and their families who sat in the Hilton Ballroom, it was their first ever Sydney Swans guernsey presentation and their official welcome to the Bloods family.

One of those newcomers was national draft recruit Luke Parker, who spoke with great pride about the night.

“It was a really exciting night, to get your Swans guernsey in front of all the boys and coaches, it really makes you feel a part of this Club," he said.

“I’m slowly getting to know more about the history of the Swans, but I know Bob Skilton is a legend of the Club and plays a big role, so it’s a great honour to be handed your guernsey by someone like him."

With his proud parents in the audience, football development manager Stuart Maxfield paid Parker the ultimate compliment by comparing his attitude to 2010 Rising Star Dan Hannebery, as he called on the 18-year old to accept his number 26 guernsey.

“I’m pretty self-driven and like to go out on the track and get us much out of myself as possible,” Parker said.

“I’m sure my parents were pretty proud of me at the time. I didn’t get as big a round of applause as Nipper (Nathan Gordon) whose whole table went crazy but it is great to have them here on what is a really special occasion for a young player."

Like everyone in the room, Parker couldn’t be but impressed with the stirring speech from co-captain Jarrad McVeigh.

“The main message for me was to make the most of the opportunity. To stay at this club you really need to earn the respect of the players and consistently deliver. You never know how long this is all going to last, so make the most of it.

“The senior players at the Club always set the example and show you how to go about your footy,” he said.