Explore the incredible experiences, chance encounters and special moments that shape our supporters in Member Stories, presented by Lifeblood.
Karyn Freeman is a lifetime supporter of the red and white. From days barracking for South Melbourne down at Albert Park, to cheering on the Sydney Swans from the Rising Star in Melbourne, it’s become a weekly tradition engrained in her way of life. And as Freeman experienced first-hand, when family passed she found comfort in the AFL.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, the fourth generation South Melbournian thanks her nan for the introduction to Aussie Rules, following the death of Freeman’s grandfather.
“Unfortunately, my grandfather died when I was three or four, so nan’s social life revolved around going to the football,” Freeman shared.
“Nan would pull out the tartan rug and homemade soup with pasties. You can imagine sitting [at Albert Park] in the middle of winter.”
In 1982 the Swans moved to Sydney and weekends spent at Albert Park, turned to gatherings at the family home in front of the TV. It evolved into a weekly tradition for Freeman’s household, and she formed an unbreakable bond with her father. The pair also signed up for a membership over a decade ago.
“My family get togethers evolved around going to games or crowding around the tv… All interstate games found us at the Rising Sun along with the rest of the red and white supporters where dad and I would share chips and red wine along with a yummy lunch.”
“Dad would always ring when the team came out each week so we could discuss if we supported Horse’s decisions,” Freeman laughs.
“As dad went through multiple back ops, hip replacements and a shoulder replacement his physical world became smaller, and the Swans became bigger…"
In 2023, Freeman’s father lost his battle to pancreatic cancer. He was lucky enough to meet his favourite player, Michael O’Loughlin, during his support for the Swans and was a proud owner of a Dane Rampe robe. It’s memories like these that Freeman recalls – but like her grandmother, she was never alone in her loss.
“My best friend is a Collingwood supporter, and her dad passed away as well. She and her dad had the same kind of relationship.
“I started watching Collingwood games with her because she really missed having that person. She watches the Swans play and we tap away on text messages and talk about the games. We recognised that gap.”
Freeman misses her father every day, but she can still be found upstairs at the Rising Sun on game day. Even her new puppy is named ‘Sydney Chips’.
“Dad never wavered in his faith and support of our team. He, and my family, share the values of our team that family is paramount, honesty, integrity, grit, teamwork and hard work are critical. The Swans literally run in our blood.”
