Sydney Swans utility Lewis Roberts-Thomson was greeted with a standing ovation at last Friday night’s Club Champion Dinner, when the popular player was named as a Life Member of the Sydney Swans Football Club.
Roberts-Thomson, who reached his milestone 150th game at the beginning of this season, was one of four new Life Members inducted into the club this year, along with premiership winning coach John Longmire, outgoing director Bob Campbell and long-time recruiter Ric Barham.
Speaking to SwansTV after receiving his Life Membership, Roberts-Thomson said he felt privileged and humbled to be a part of the Sydney Swans Football Club.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting it but it was something special,” he said.
“I think to be involved in this Football Club and to be lucky enough to play a few games and now to become a Life Member is something I’m certainly humbled by.
“Becoming a Life Member at this club means a huge amount.”
Born and bred in Sydney, Roberts-Thomson said receiving a Life Membership from his home club further enhanced the honour.
“I supported this club as a kid growing up and it was a dream to play a game for this club and to be recognised as a Life Member is honestly one of the best feelings,” he said.
“It is such a wonderful club and there are so many great people involved.”
Ahead of receiving his own Life Membership, Swans coach John Longmire described Roberts-Thomson as a popular member of the Football Club.
“A cult following would be an understatement,” Longmire said of Roberts-Thomson.
“He’s been a fantastic servant of this Football Club and a product of our local area, which is outstanding.”
Longmire, who was presented with Life Membership after taking the Swans to their second premiership in seven years, said the award was one of the ultimate honours in football.
“It’s an amazing honour to be involved in such a fantastic Football Club,” he said.
“When you’re involved in footy, to be a Life Member it just doesn’t get any better than that.”
Long-term football and recruitment consultant Ric Barham also received a Life Membership after 17 years of service to the club.
Barham, who resigned from full-time duties in 2005, has had an outstanding record in putting the Swans playing list together and has played a role in recruiting some of the club’s top players including Adam Goodes, Ryan O’Keefe, Jude Bolton and Ted Richards.
Barham said he was shocked and humbled to be awarded a Life Membership at the Sydney Swans.
“I’m very privileged to work with this organisation,” Barham said.
“When I first got there, to be fair it was sort of still treading water, and in those 17 years I’ve seen it grow into such a strong, vibrant and now thoroughly successful operation.”
Outgoing director Bob Campbell, who was absent on the night, was also presented with Life Membership, following 12 years of service on the Sydney Swans board.
Swans Chairman Richard Colless said Campbell was often ‘the voice of reason’ at Board meetings and was always responsible.
“In football terms he’s been described as Mr Dependable and has a very safe pair of hands,” he said.
In a pre-recorded video message, Campbell said he was proud to have served the club for more than a decade.
“In my 12 years on the Board I have enjoyed every moment of seeing the club evolve to its successful status now and see the ‘Bloods Culture’ as one of those precious things that can only those associated with the Swans can understand,” he said.
