The Sydney Swans are mourning the loss of Life Member Ian Wood who sadly passed away last week.

Ian had been part of the Swans family for over 40 years through his match-day role in Melbourne and in that time had only missed six months of football.

Ian began as an assistant boot-studder for the Seniors in 1970 and also undertook a number of other roles including property steward, drinks steward and door man.

On match days in Melbourne, Ian was involved in setting up the drinks and icepacks for the players before and during games, and ensuring the sponsor's banner was displayed at every quarter time and three quarter time break.

In 2010, Ian was honoured with Sydney Swans Life Membership for his outstanding contribution to the club over more than four decades.

Sydney Swans General Manager, Business Development, Tony Morwood, said Ian would be sadly missed.

“Ian was a very likeable bloke and a great person to have around the team for so many years,” Morwood said.

“Ian and his mate Bob Clutterbuck (who ran the water at Melbourne games) had been partners for 40 years so it is a very sad occasion and it’s going to be quite sad for Bob not to have his mate ‘Scraps’ around.

“Ian's family have been Swans supporters for generations, they grew up in Port Melbourne, Ian will be sadly missed.”