A “very humbled” Callum Sinclair feels right at home in Sydney, and at the Sydney Swans, a sense of belonging now solidified after receiving the Best Clubman award for season 2017.
Following in the footsteps of some hard-working and widely-loved Swans, Sinclair was added to the honour roll during last week’s Club Champion Dinner at The Star Events Centre.
It is a significant achievement for Sinclair who’s just ticked off his second season in red and white since crossing from West Coast via a trade (a direct swap with Lewis Jetta) at the end of 2015.
As the award signifies, the former Eagle has not only adapted but added to the Club’s renowned culture with aplomb.
“For any player to move club, it’s certainly an adjustment and something different you need to get used to,” Sinclair said.
“Full credit goes to the Club, they provide an environment for me to thrive and perform at my best.
“This award is something I take seriously with giving back to the Club as well for what they’ve done for me.”
Originally from Melbourne, Sinclair’s journey to the Sydney Swans has been eventful but one that’s been built on hard work and persistence.
After a topsy-turvy stint with Sandringham in the TAC Cup, Sinclair played with Port Melbourne in the VFL before crossing the Nullarbor and joining Subiaco in the WAFL to up his chances of landing on an AFL list.
It worked with West Coast selecting the 200cm mature-ager in the 2013 Rookie Draft.
But sitting behind fellow rucks Dean Cox and Nic Natiuniu at the Eagles meant opportunities were again limited.
Fair to say his decision to move back east has paid off with Sinclair, coming off one of his most consistent seasons to date after managing 19 games, content in declaring the Harbour City home.
“I’m so grateful that John (Longmire) and Tom Harley got me to the Club,” Sinclair said backstage after receiving award from the honour’s namesake Barry Round.
“I’ve loved every minute of it and I’ve made some great mates here.
“My life’s here now and I’m absolutely love it.”
With his name now in the same column as players like Rhyce Shaw and Alex Johnson (Best Clubmen in 2015 and 2016 respectively), Sinclair has vowed to continue to work just as hard off-field as the ruckman has on-field.
“Two guys who have a massive impact on the Club,” Sinclair said.
“Their standing within the Club is awesome and I’m very humbled to be in that category.
“And I’ll continue to work towards making the Club an even better place.”
