Supporters share in flag unfurling

On a wet and windy day, Susie Colless, the wife of Swans Chairman Richard Colless, had the honour of unveiling the flag to mark the fifth premiership win in South Melbourne/Sydney Swans history.

While the entire 2013 playing group and coaching staff took the field for the unfurling, a special group of Swans faithful, including players’ parents and partners, and long-time staff members and supporters, also took to the field for the historic event.

Among the group of supporters was Lynette Bolton, wife of two-time premiership player, Jude.

Speaking to SwansTV following the ceremony, Lynette said sharing in the moment with the club was an unforgettable experience.

“Apart from being very, very wet, it was beautiful,” she said.

“It was really nice and it was very special that they had all the girls there and all the women involved in the club. Adam Spencer always speaks really well, but he said some beautiful words about how special the team was and how the Swans is just a really big family.”

Lynette said this year’s ceremony was particularly special because she and other wives, partners and parents had the chance to take the field alongside the players.

“I was trying to remember what happened (in 2006) because it seems like such a long time ago, but we definitely didn’t get to go out on the ground, so today was pretty special.”

For Geraldine Hannebery, Saturday’s ceremony was a terrific opportunity to be able to share in the premiership experience with her son, Dan.

“It was a very special moment for me and no doubt all of my family and friends,” she said.

“It can be hard (with Dan interstate) but he’s only a phone call away and we come up quite regularly throughout the season with the games and get to catch up with him after the games and it’s the same in Melbourne.

“It still tingles when you talk about the occasion, so it was just fantastic.”

A handful of dedicated Swans fans also had the chance to play a role in the historic moment as part of the ‘It’s In the Blood’ membership recognition program.

Maxine Clarnet, a 25-year member of the Swans, was one of the lucky on-field attendees on Saturday and said the unfurling was something she’ll never forget.

“It was a lovely feeling and it was quite surreal because I’ve never actually stood on the SCG before and it just felt wonderful to see the flag and to see the players,” she said.

“I found it really exhilarating and really wonderful and to see Paul Kelly in the race afterwards having followed him for such a long time was just wonderful as well.