Sydney Swans coach John Longmire addressed attendees at this evening's Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame Dinner, presented by Volkswagen.

Here's what the coach had to say 13 days out from the round one clash against GWS:

Tonight we welcome new players into our Club, with many starting their AFL journey for the first time. You and your families’ lives have now changed forever. The ones that succeed are the players who, along with their family, really embrace everything about their new environment. You'll meet new people, have new experiences and ride the ups and downs of all that an AFL career involves.

There is one thing above all that we ask of new players- drive your own career. Do everything you can to be the best you can be. Make sure you don't have any regrets when your time is up, don't make any excuses, and enjoy the ride - because there's nothing quite like it!

If you're not sure how to go about it, have a look at those that have lasted. There are many examples in the locker room of players who consistently get the best out of themselves.

Have a look at the bloke in locker 24, and see how hard he goes at the ball. Or the one in locker 5, and see how he gets the most out of himself in every session. And I'm sure you know by now that the bloke in locker 37, isn't just "lucky" when he plays the most ever games in this Club’s 137-year history.

It’s not just the new players that this night means so much to. Every player on our list knows being presented with a Swans jumper is a special thing.

There shouldn’t be a player here who doesn’t think that they can improve, and most importantly have an impact. Everyone has a role to play for us - the season goes for 22 weeks plus finals, and within this season there’ll be games that go down to the last second of a 2 hour battle - like it did last Friday night.

Make sure you’re fit and in form to take your chance, as an AFL season is as much a test of resilience as anything else.

Welcome also to our new staff. In particular, welcome to Michael Agresta, who has just joined our recruiting team. Welcome Mick. I'm sure you and Kinnear Beatson will recruit many more stars to the Club.

To our supporters, no doubt you are wondering what 2012 will bring. Although I can't answer that, I do know that our players have prepared well. From our youngest player in Harry Cunningham who has just arrived from Wagga, to our oldest in Adam Goodes, you have laid a strong foundation for the year ahead. When you put on your runners at the start of November, you probably thought March 24 was a long way away. It's not too far now.

2012 is a special year for this Club - the 30th anniversary of our move to Sydney. 1982 saw a brave group of players led by Barry Round and Mark Browning embrace a new frontier. It's easy for us all to accept the national competition in 2012, but picture yourself 30 years ago, with 12 teams all based in Victoria. The leap of faith these blokes took was incredible, and they truly were pioneers of our national game.

The years following this provided many ups and downs, with a number of people on and off the field contributing to our Club at first surviving, then prospering.

Those of us charged with the responsibility of the Club now take this very seriously. We aim to do our bit, as those that came before us did so well. The lessons learnt highlight the value of accepting a challenge head on, and knowing that anything worthwhile isn’t achieved by taking the easy road.

Whilst listening to some of the greats that have gone before us, a message that has been consistent is the value of team. It takes a team to be successful, not just individual talent. A group of people working together that puts egos aside so a greater cause can be achieved. When this occurs, it's very hard to stop.

Over the last 3 years there have been 33 changes to our list of 44. We've lost many champions, but in their place we believe others are starting to find their feet. To these players, make sure that you take your turn. Don't wait - be impatient.

In 13 days’ time we begin the 2012 season. We have 44 players, and a club all prepared to go to work. We have fantastic corporate partners and members who have committed their support.

13 days to go...and I’m sure you’re like us - we can’t wait!