The Sydney Swans are saddened by the shock passing of Australian music icon Glenn Wheatley, who has died from COVID complications at the age of 74.

Glenn is fondly remembered by many at the club and he played an important part in the Swans history in Sydney. 

In May 1988, the Sydney Swans was sold back to the VFL for a reported sum of $1.00 It was at this time that a consortium led by Michael Willesee, John Gerahty, Basil Sellers, and Peter Weinert took over control of the licence of the Sydney Swans for five years. The consortium of 12 additional shareholders, included Glenn Wheatley.  The group led a change in fortunes for the Club overseeing the sign on of QBE as principal partner, a partnership which still stands today.

Glenn was an avid fan and official Ambassador of the Sydney Swans and was often seen in the grandstands and at official club events cheering on his beloved red and white team. It is in the grandstands of the SCG that Glenn’s love of footy and music intersected when he was handed a cassette by a Swans staffer of an aspiring pop star to have a listen to. That cassette led to Glenn launching the career of yet another Aussie superstar, and fellow Swans Ambassador, Delta Goodrem. Glenn was present at the 2005 Grand Final dinner where Delta performed for guests after the club’s first premiership in 72 years.

Sydney Swans Chairman, Andrew Pridham AO remembers Glenn fondly. “Glenn was a passionate Swans fan and a regular attendee at club functions. His name, alongside other True Believers, is enshrined on a plaque that adorns our Board Room to acknowledge the contributions and support of those who guided the club through the challenging years of 1988 to 1993. He had many friends at the Swans and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with Glenn’s family.”

The club extends its deepest condolences to Glenn’s wife Gaynor and children Tim, Kara and Samantha.