Sydneysiders turn out to support the Swans

By Alison Zell

While lots of Sydneysiders were flocking to the beaches in Friday’s searing heat, just as many were hitting the streets of the CBD to celebrate the Sydney Swans and their 2012 AFL Premiership triumph.

Tens of thousands of fans turned the city red and white as they lined George Street from Circular Quay to Sydney’s Town Hall for the Sydney Swans’ victory parade.

Midfielder Craig Bird, who grew up in Nelson’s Bay on the NSW north coast said it was an exciting time for AFL in NSW.

“I always watched Sydney growing up and after seeing what they were able to do in 2005 I really wanted to be a part of it,” Bird said.

“It’s great to have all the support we’ve had over the last couple of weeks and a lot of people are now on the Swans bandwagon which is good to see and being a local boy, it’s even better.”

Members of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy kicked off the parade, followed by the Swans cheer squad on the top of a double-decker bus, as red and white confetti filled the Sydney sky.

The players followed in convertibles with the Premiership Cup, accompanied by coach John Longmire and co-captains Jarrad McVeigh and Adam Goodes, bringing up the rear.

The players were then presented on stage at the Town Hall where they were celebrated by NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell and representatives from the City of Sydney to the cheers of the giant crowd.

Fellow New South Welshman Lewis Roberts-Thomson, who won his second Premiership medal last Saturday, said the support from the Swans’ home state has been huge.

“Right from the final siren we’ve been received so well by the fans and being able to celebrate with all the fans and family and friends has been really good,” he said.

“It really promotes the code and hopefully we see a growth in junior memberships.

“I think for the city itself, it shows us AFL is really taking a bit of a hold and I think it’s become a game that’s accepted by everyone.”

Dan Hannebery, fresh from getting a 2012 Premiership tattoo inked on his ankle, said this week had been one of the best of his life and the young midfielder is hoping the support will last into the 2013 season.

“It’s an awesome feeling,” Hannebery said.

“It’s been an awesome week and it’s great to work so hard for so long and finally achieve what all the guys have wanted to for a long time and it’s an amazing feeling.

“There are a lot of people who love AFL already but I hope a lot of people are now going to start taking it up or coming to see us play next year.

“It’s (the Premiership) going to help the growth and development of AFL in NSW which is great.”