Six Sydney Swans players received their first red and white jumper at the SCG on Thursday night, at the club’s 2021 Guernsey Presentation Dinner, presented by Volkswagen.

Draftees Logan McDonald, Braeden Campbell, Errol Gulden, Malachy Carruthers and Marc Sheather, along with mature recruit Tom Hickey, were presented with their 2021 playing guernseys by co-captains Luke Parker and Dane Rampe. The new players were joined on the night by their families, who were officially welcomed to the club.

In a rousing speech co-captain Josh Kennedy said the new players, together with Swans partners, support staff, fans and members, are all part of the fabric of the club, and he’s looking forward to rising to the challenge of 2021 together. While coach John Longmire told the draftees parents to strap themselves in, because there’s an incredible journey ahead.

The event saw the induction of four new Life Members. They include 2020 Bob Skilton Medallist Jake Lloyd, who reached the milestone of 150 games in Round 14 last year; staff member Paul O’Conner, who has held a range of roles at the club since commencing in Sydney’s finance team in 2002; and volunteers John Jocumsen and John Cook – collectively known as The Johns – who have proudly manned the club’s entrance and quarter-break banner at all home games for the past 25 years.

The evening’s toast was delivered by Karen James, a Sydney Swans member of more than 18 years and founding member of L@SS (Ladies at Sydney Swans) whose involvement in AFL spans from playing to serving as Sydney Women’s AFL President. She passionately recounted on-field moments over her journey with the Swans, telling players that fans are right there with them through every goal, every mark, every hit and every act of courage along the way.

The Sydney Swans kick off season 2021 against Brisbane at the Gabba next week, before returning to the SCG to play in front of a home crowd against the Adelaide Crows on Saturday, March 27.

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