Forty years ago, our club embarked on the most incredible journey. From South Melbourne and the Lake Oval, the Swans flew north to create a new home for themselves and the entire sport. They landed on the SCG, and history was made in Round One, 1982. We also cracked it for a win.

The hardworking people involved in that move are owed an enormous debt of gratitude and the early days were unchartered territory. Swans' Team of the Century member Steve Wright lived it. 'That year, we lived in Melbourne and flew up for the games, and that was all very exciting,' he says.

'It brought the group closer together because we spent so much time away and in each other's company. It was tough, but they were good times. We were pioneers. We were the ones that started the national competition.'

By 1992 though, the club was on its knees. If not for the dedication of Mike Willesee, Peter Weinert, Craig Kimberley, Basil Sellers, and the true believers, the second decade in Sydney would never have happened. Stabilising figures including Richard Colless emerged, and finally, traction was gained. In 2002, fractures again appeared, with Andrew Ireland & Paul Roos steadying the ship.

By 2012, a premiership had been won, and that same year, we won another. It's hard to believe, but that was ten years ago.

Heath Grundy will never forget that day and doesn't need to look far for reminders. 'As a retired player and a day-to-day worker now, people ask did you play in a Grand Final? Did you win one?'

'People are still so amazed that you were a part of such a huge Australian sporting event, and to be able to win one, the response is always 'wow, that must have been incredible.' As incredible as the experience was as a player, it's not until you retire that you fully appreciate and cherish those amazing experiences that footy brings. You carry them with you for the rest of your life.'

The coach of that team, John Longmire, was in charge for just his second season. He inherited a side built on the bedrock of defence and introduced a slingshot-style attacking force that caught the competition off guard. The level of consistency has never been greater at the Swans than that of Longmire's reign.

Last season though, the traditional game-plan was repackaged with instant success. It all began in Brisbane when Errol Gulden, Logan McDonald, and Braeden Campbell debuted, and the youngbloods rocked the footy world.

The team's ability to transition the football quickly with precise, short passing by foot enabled the dangerous forwards to capitalise on their inside-fifty opportunities. Franklin, Heeney, Hayward, Papley, McLean, et al. reaped the rewards. Our Swans scored speedily and finished the season as the third-highest scoring outfit.

The midfield regained lost ground, and the mix of youth and experience proved crucial to ball-winning capabilities. The defensive unit, so reliable for so long, returned to their stingy best while also launching rebounding raids from astute interceptions.

It's a style of football that reinvigorated Swans supporters and excited the neutral. While elements of the team have changed, not entirely by design, the strategy looks set to stay, and in 2022, an impressive crop is emerging.

When cygnets are born, the young birds sometimes ride on their parents' backs and remain with their respective adults for four or five months. This adjustment period provides the infants with self-belief and confidence, crucial ingredients for a fledgling Swan.

The old firm of Kennedy, Franklin, Rampe & Parker have mentored and inspired the younger brigade, and the Swans' youth look set to take on increased responsibilities this season. No more piggybacks.

Tom McCartin plays football well beyond his years and is now a critical defensive cog. The fact that he'll be joined by older brother Paddy warms the cockles of a red and white heart, and their brother Charlie could not be prouder.

'We're just so happy that they're healthy and playing. It wouldn't matter if it was for the Swans or the New Norfolk seconds. Having said that, our family's love for the Swans runs so deeply. The club is just so special to us.'

'Tom, Paddy, and I have always been inseparable, and I travel up from Geelong most weeks. We're all heading up this week to watch them play together. Particularly with what Paddy's been through, and two years ago, he set himself for this, and this only. He was always a hero to Tom and me, and the fact that he'll be running out in Swans colours makes it extra special.'

Only six Swans have played more games for the club than Heath Grundy. He's well-credentialled to cast his eye over an emerging key-defensive duo, and he likes what he sees. 'If you can get a nice, settled backline, you build trust. Paddy and Tom already have that.'

'I think playing down back will really suit Paddy; he's probably similar to me, a heavier body, and can read the ball well. He makes good decisions, and that's half the battle. Tom provides great flexibility, being fast and tall, playing on the bigs and smalls, which also frees up Ramps, so it all looks good.'

At South Melbourne, Steve Wright also played alongside his brother Michael and can appreciate the unique bond. 'It helped me that Michael was 6"3, and me being the size I was, I always felt a little bit protected,' he jokes.

For what seems like a generation, Josh Kennedy & Luke Parker have proved willing combatants in the midfield mayhem that decides which team enjoys first use of the footy, and they have excelled. 'Taking the baton' is now a famous Longmire-ism, and there's a gang of youths champing at the bit.

The rise of Callum Mills last year has seen him ascend all the way to the co-captaincy ranks, and he looks set to lead the charge for many a winter. Chad Warner, James Rowbottom, Ollie Florent, Justin McInerney, Dylan Stephens, and Errol Gulden have enjoyed increased center-bounce attendances across the pre-season and offer impressive variety and flexibility in the middle of the ground. Keep an eye out for draftee Angus Sheldrick; I think you'll like what you see.

And then, of course, we have Isaac Heeney. With an intoxicating mix of power, aerobic capacity, and marking prowess, he's poised to spend more time closer to the contest, exciting co-Captain Luke Parker, describing him as a 'nightmare match-up' for opponents.

Speaking of nightmare match-ups…

I once mistakenly asked Lance Franklin to engage in a dose of self-indulgence when reliving one of his vintage past performances. He very politely declined. It's all about the team with Franklin, and as Swans supporters know too well, his legacy will live long past his current contract. It'll manifest in the trajectory of his protegees.

In Martin Flanagan's essay on the 1970 Grand Final, he wrote that 'sport is drama. Occasionally it tilts over and becomes something more,' and when #Buddy1000 occurs, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on one man.

To kick one thousand goals is a footballing feat that is unlikely to happen again. With just five goals needed to reach the magical milestone, the football world will be willing him on, ready to celebrate a champion. Just imagine a packed SCG playing host.

Ten years ago, once our champion team saluted, Grundy and his premiership teammates faced the increased scrutiny that comes with being the hunted. He believes that the people and processes at the Swans will also hold the current squad in good stead following their breakout 2021 season.

'Other teams now see them as a threat, so they'll be looking to lift when they play against the Swans, but importantly, Horse is really good at getting his players to perform to a certain level, and they bring that expectation on themselves.'

'They set their own standards that they need to play to, and he does a great job keeping players accountable to those standards. Horse is really good at keeping that consistently once the team reaches that level and makes sure the guys don't get ahead of themselves.'

Former star rover Steve Wright has spent a lifetime in football, which continues to this day. In our current Swans, he can see the unbridled potential. 'They surprised me last year with how the younger players stepped up. That's obviously good coaching and good senior players around them, but they all came in and played their role.'

'It all comes back to the Bloods spirit, and I was really impressed. There'll be a bit more pressure on those kids this year, especially those in their second year, but the system up there is so good, they'll put their heads down and work their backsides off.'

After recent Covid-related challenges, the Sydney Swans of 2022 have proven that solutions can be found to problems; that the unexpected can be accommodated. Developments at the Royal Hall of Industries and the launch of our very own AFLW team encapsulate that drive and resilience.

Heath Grundy believes the top four should be in the team's sights, and the McCartins will be watching on with pride as that journey begins at Accor Stadium. 'We're proud beyond words,' Charlie says. 'I can't put into words what a special club this is. They have been so good to us, and it's not just for six months of the year; it's all year round. It'll also be pretty funny to see Paddy and Tom working in tandem. We're all super protective of each other!'

That's the Bloods way. Go well, boys.