“When Paul Kelly gives you the cup - I remember that vividly.”
Paul Roos is sitting in the foyer of Sydney Swans HQ in disbelief at the evolution of the club’s facilities. 12 years ago from the offices at the SCG, he stepped down as senior coach. But not before cementing an extraordinary legacy.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media ahead of Opening Round, Roos is presented with a 150 Year Commemorative Guernsey.
His first reaction to the jumper was one of reflection. Sitting among the club’s premiership cups it comes as no surprise that memories of the 2005 Grand Final surface.
“When you look at things like this – which is made for the present and made with the past in mind – that’s what you think about,” he said.
“When you’ve been through what we have as a club – in particular me and the players and the admin at the time - we understand how much blood, sweat and tears go into a winning premiership and establishing an organisation like there is today.”
The South Melbourne Heritage is represented through the iconic V pattern repeated through the red, while the core of the club's current home guernsey shows the connection with Sydney.
On September 24, 2005, the former coach led his side – including Leo Barry, Michael O’Loughlin and Barry Hall - to a historic win over the West Coast Eagles. Breaking a 72-year premiership drought.
Roos says he was conscious of taking in the occasion but admitted he didn’t understand the significance of the achievement – both personally and for the club – until much later.
“I remember the siren going, I remember the coaches celebrating in the Coaches Box… I remember the tears and the excitement from Swans fans,” the former coach reflected.
“So many past players, so many fans, past administrators have gone into the club and that’s why [this year is] a pretty exciting year.”
150-year celebrations will kick off on Thursday, March 7 when the Sydney Swans play Melbourne on Opening Night. For the occasion, 22 players and coaching staff will embark on March to the Match to honour our past, present and emerging athletes. Find out how to join us, HERE.
