2009 marked a new era for the Sydney Swans (South Melbourne) Football Club, with the new membership group called 'Ladies of the Lake'.  

We are passionate, spirited women, sharing a connection through football, proud to celebrate our clubs heritage and history.

'Ladies of the Lake' members can share their passion for AFL, not to mention their dedication to a wonderful club and superb players.

This year there was the inner-sanctum tour of the SCG, pre-season cocktail function, private Micky O book signing session, high-tea and a Mother’s Day brunch.

The highlight for most however – besides the Grand Final joy – was walking onto the SCG to form a guard of honour prior to the Swans-St Kilda match to help celebrate the AFL’s Women’s Round. It was an experience like no other.

“The banner was raised, 25 ladies either side, cheering, laughing and getting very excited,” Geraldine Burne recalled in the latest LOL newsletter.

“The players ran past, you could feel the tension as the passion and focus was on their faces, there was a job to be done and they were there for one purpose only … to win!”

That’s the beauty of being a member of LOL; you’ll be closely connected to the Club and can attend frequent events with like-minded, passionate Swans women.

In 2012, LOL also came up with a new initiative to recognise their long-term members by elevating 12 ladies to ‘Legends’ status.

“The Ladies group down here have a lot of older lady members who remember the Swans when they played at the Lakeside Oval so they have a special memory and a special part in our heritage so we wanted to honour them,” LOL member Philippa Power said.

The 12 LOL members elevated to Legends status in 2012 were Yvonne Bradley, Nell Cooper, Patricia Faulkner, Denise Haberman, Leonie Haeusler, Evelyn Leary, Doris McEwen, Beryl Morton, Lorraine Watt, IIva Woolard, Margaret Wooster and Pat Young.

Anyone wanting to get involved in Ladies of the Lake can contact the Swans Melbourne Office on 1300 663 819 or visit sydneyswans.com.au/membership.