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

Despite growing up in Newcastle in a rugby-dominated state, one of Sydney's youngest members has managed to convert his entire family to become Sydney Swans fans. 

Vinnie Walker's parents were born and bred in New South Wales, and as a result, Vinnie grew up playing rugby and soccer, which limited his exposure to the game of Aussie Rules. 

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Vinnie's dad, Callan Walker, said that despite an initial introduction to the game through NAB AFL Auskick, it wasn’t until he took Vinnie to a NAB AFL Superkick clinic last year that his love of AFL and the Swans was sparked.

“You know how some kids just have that spark moment or spark experience, and the superkick program for Vinnie was that, it was just exceptional,” Walker shared.

“I think within about two sessions, he'd fallen head over heels in love with the game.

“As a family, we're so grateful to all of that AFL Hunter Central Coast team for the coaching, the interest, the care they took of him.”

Vinnie’s love for AFL and the Swans was made a sure thing, when he attended one of Isaac Heeney’s fifth quarter camps, and he met a host of Swans stars.

“It was the best experience of Vinnie’s life,” Walker recalled.

“The coaches that were there, you know, Brayden Campbell was there, I think it was Robbie Fox was there, Brodie Grundy was there, Justin McInerney was there.

“He just, he learned so much from all of them, he ripped into every drill, the matches at the end, he had an absolute blast.”

In a household which was once strictly watchers of NRL, Sydney Swans games are now compulsory viewing in the Walker house.

Thanks to Vinnie, the family are now signed up as Swans members and despite living in Newcastle make it down to Sydney now and then to watch Vinnie’s heroes in action.

“The Swans are obviously now compulsory viewing and have been for the last little while,” Walker said.

“Whereas we would normally sit on the couch and watch an NRL game, whether it's Thursday night time slot, Friday night time slot or over the weekend, Vinnie now commands the remote and we all sit here with him and we're genuinely sitting and watching AFL games instead.

“It's turned from a love, I think, to an obsession with the Swans. We're lucky enough, we've been down to the SCG a few times and the match day experience is a 10 out of 10 down there.”

Vinnie now proudly dons a guernsey with number 14, just like Sydney captain Callum Mills.

But being from Newcastle, there is one player who Vinnie has a special soft spot for.

“I'd say Isaac's the number one, the king of the kids,” Walker said.

“Probably being from Newcastle as well, I think that connection, knowing that Isaac's a newey boy and for local kids up here to be able to see, Isaac's just, he really is the perfect ambassador for the Swans, perfect ambassador for AFL in New South Wales.”

The nine-year-old has a host of Sydney Swans players to look up to, who have started their AFL journey in Newcastle just like him.

Joe Harrison, who plays in Sydney’s VFL side is from Newcastle, while QBE Sydney Swans Academy athlete Max King also hails from the region.

Walker highlighted the importance of a pathway for kids playing AFL in places like Newcastle.

“I think being able to see Isaac, who's a newey boy, but then also there's guys like Joe Harrison in the Swans VFL squad, and Max King in the academy, he's tearing it up at the moment,” Walker said.

“The club, the Warner Bay Bulldogs and their coaches highlight those local blokes that are now playing at really high levels within the Swans system.

“I think that's a really powerful tool as well to help kids in an area like Newcastle, not just fall in love with playing footy, but actually recognise, oh, hang on, these kids were, like me, once upon a time, they were kicking around at the Warners Bay footy club and that's a really nice thing for them to be able to see.”

Remember, Kids Go Free on Sunday for our Round 17 match against Fremantle at the SCG, with the purchase of an eligible Adult reserved seat or general admission ticket. See Terms and Conditions here.