Premiership street parade this Friday

Premier Barry O’Farrell today announced a street parade will be held in the Sydney CBD for the 2012 AFL Premiers, the Sydney Swans, on Friday.

Mr O’Farrell said the parade along George Street to Sydney Town Hall will give Sydneysiders a chance to turn out to congratulate the Swans for the thrilling win over Hawthorn.

“Saturday’s extraordinary grand final win was a fitting reward for this champion team,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“The match will go down as one of the greatest grand finals of all-time – and its testament to the Swans’ never say die attitude that they emerged victorious.

“The Swans’ fifth premiership – their second as the Sydney Swans – occurred in the 30th anniversary season since the club relocated from Melbourne.

“In that time they have cemented themselves as one of the most respected football clubs across all codes in Australia and they do our city and state proud every time they take the field.

“Friday’s parade will give all Sydneysiders a chance to pay tribute to coach John Longmire, co-captains Jarred McVeigh and Adam Goodes and all the Swans players.”

Swans Premiership coach John Longmire said the Club had received enormous support from the people of Sydney throughout the 2012 season.

“The support we have received throughout our finals campaign has been incredible. Nearly 60,000 fans turned out for our Preliminary Final against Collingwood, more than 2,000 fans attended our training session in Grand Final week and more than 5,000 fans attended our welcome home celebrations at the SCG on Sunday.

“It has been an amazing few weeks for our Club and we are honoured that the State Government has extended us the privilege of a street parade to celebrate the AFL Premiership Cup returning to Sydney,” Longmire said.

Sports Minister Graham Annesley said the parade after the Swans’ drought-breaking 2005 win is fondly remembered by fans and players.

“The Swans have had an outstanding season topped off by Saturday’s enthralling come from behind Grand Final triumph,” Mr Annesley said.

“I have no doubt the people of Sydney will take the opportunity to show the players how much their efforts are appreciated in their own city,” Mr Annesley said.

“The Sydney Swans have done us proud and a public reception for the AFL premiers is well deserved,” Minister for Major Events George Souris said.

“I expect the public to come out in droves to welcome and congratulate the players and coaching staff on one of the most memorable AFL grand final victories for many years,” Mr Souris said.

The parade will commence at 12.15pm on Friday and conclude with a reception at Town Hall. Exact details of the parade route will be confirmed in the coming days.

The State Government previously hosted a street parade following the Swans’ 2005 premiership.