Over 700 Sydney Swans fans braved the scorching heat on Saturday morning to meet the players at the Club’s Melbourne Fan Day.
Held at Aanenson Oval, Port Melbourne, the annual Fan Day was a huge hit with Swans supporters as they had a chance to meet their favourite players, get autographs and have a kick of the Sherrin.
Fans even got to put the players under the microscope at the Media Zone where they could ask any questions they like - as if they were on SwansTV.
2010 Bob Skilton medallist Kieren Jack used the stage to talk up his spectacular mark against St Kilda and even cheekily urged his taller teammates to replicate the feat.
While Ted Richards used the platform to dissect how the smallest man on the field could possibly use his back as a stepladder to take one of the marks of the pre-season so far.
For Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, he was more than happy to be at the Fan Day where the players had a chance to interact and say thanks to their Melbourne-based supporters.
“We really do appreciate the support and the membership we do get from Melbourne,” McVeigh said.
“We did start here as a football club and we do focus on this area because we want you to be a part of us in Sydney and when we come down we love having a big crowd in Melbourne.
“A lot of the guys are from Melbourne as well, so it’s great to get down here and give back to what you give us. We really do appreciate it.”
Traditionally, the pre-season competition has provided up-and-coming players with an opportunity to impress for Round 1 selection.
Travelling intestate in particular can also be an eye-opener for players as they get familiar with the preparation and process prior to and post matches.
This was no exception for Sydney-raised Nathan Gordon who took a lot out of the experience of travelling to Melbourne, playing in both matches and then attending the Fan Day.
While a substitute in the first game and coming on late in the second half, Gordon played the second match against Geelong and was prominent with seven kicks.
“I haven’t been down here [in Melbourne] that much - I played my first two games in New South Wales - but it’s good to see everyone in Melbourne (at the Fan Day).”
“We had a great crowd at the NAB Cup game. I haven’t played that many games, but it was one of the biggest crowds I’ve ever played in front of.”
The Club will be holding their Sydney-based Fan Day, presented by Volkswagen, at the SCG on Saturday, March 10 from 11am to 2pm. The event is free. Full details on Sydney Fan Day can be found by clicking here.
