Explore the incredible experiences, chance encounters and special moments that shape our supporters in Member Stories, presented by Lifeblood.

Grandfather Ian and grandson Beau Nicholas come from a family of Sydney Swans members who rarely miss a game at the SCG. Introduced to the AFL young, it’s become a fortnightly tradition like so many supporters across the country.

But unique to Beau, his early memories of the Swans are of his grandfather recalling his contribution to the club. An unknown, but important cog in the club’s move to Sydney in 1982.

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Ian - an ex-Essendon supporter - said he was quick to offer his assistance when the players relocated to his home city.

“When the Swans decided to come to Sydney, I thought, ‘Hey, this is really good. I have an AFL team to follow’,” Ian recalled.

“I was watching what was happening with the Swans and it was such a huge move [to Sydney] and I went out to the Swans, and I said, look, what can I do to help?”

The owner of a public relations business at the time, Ian reached out to his contacts to source jobs for the athletes and sponsors for the club. He did this for 12 months until the Sydney Swans were established.

“I sat down, and I spoke to all the players at that stage. And I asked, ‘Why did you come to Sydney?’”

He continued, “They said, because Barry said we should come. And I thought, what an amazing team this is. They had so much faith in their captain - I couldn't believe it.”

When asked if this was Bloods culture first-hand, Ian was quick to agree.

“The Bloods culture was started in Melbourne. But the team brought it to Sydney, and it was a commitment to each other and to the supporters here and to the team.

“That was the Bloods culture. That no matter what happened, they were going to succeed.”

Naturally Beau, now in his twenties, has been a lifelong Sydney supporter alongside his brother, and sister who currently plays in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy. A member for 15 years, Beau says he’s got many favourite moments barracking for the red and white.

“I think one of my favourite memories has to be a clinic that my younger brother and I went to,” Beau shared. 

“Callum Mills came up to me and put a hanger on my head and my brother climbed up on top of me and all the Swans guys got around him. That has got to be up there with one of the cooler moments that I had with the Swans.”

Nowadays game days are a ritual for the Nicholas family, starting at the Royal Paddington Hotel.

“So, lunch or dinner [in Paddington], then we're behind the goals next to the Cheer Squad at the moment. We haven't missed a game yet this season and don't plan on missing any.”