The Sydney Swans will continue to wear its South Melbourne inspired heritage guernsey while based in Melbourne in 2021.
For designated away games for the remainder of the season, including this Saturday’s Sydney Derby in Ballarat, the Club will wear its red-V heritage strip.
Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said the decision to wear the heritage guernsey is not only a nod to the Club’s history, but to the unique circumstances the team has found itself in 2021.
“Albeit for a short period of time, the Club has relocated back to Melbourne, so it is a fitting acknowledgement to wear the historic South Melbourne guernsey for away matches,” he said.
“From Geelong to Marvel Stadium, the support the team has enjoyed while based in Victoria has been incredible.
“The positive feedback on the heritage guernsey from fans and players alike since the match against the Bulldogs on Sunday has been overwhelming. We are in unique circumstances and it is a great opportunity to continue to honour our South Melbourne heritage while the team remains in Melbourne.
“I expect that the many thousands of Swans fans living in Victoria will take the opportunity to support our team by attending games played in Victoria for the remainder of this unique season.
“We understand that is a challenging time for all our members and fans in Sydney and the thoughts of the team are with everyone at home,” Harley said.
Bloods Legend Bob Skilton said it was wonderful to see the red-V back in action in Victoria.
“The connection between the Sydney Swans and our South Melbourne heritage has never been stronger,” he said.
“It was a proud moment watching the boys win in the red-V guernsey on Saturday and it will be great to see them wearing it again this season and honouring our heritage,” Skilton said.
The Swans heritage strip is inspired by the red-V guernsey worn by South Melbourne from 1932 and made famous by Bloods Legends including Skilton, Peter Bedford, Bob Pratt, J.Herbie Matthews and Ron Clegg.
The Club will wear it traditional Sydney Swans guernsey for designated home matches, as well as a soon to be launched pride guernsey in the round 21 game against St Kilda.
