Explore the incredible experiences, chance encounters and special moments that shape our supporters in Member Stories, presented by Lifeblood.
In 2025 Gwen Wallis is celebrating 30 years as a member of the Sydney Swans. A supporter since 1987, and a footy fan since she was little Wallis’ memories have long been engrained in the game.
Speaking to Sydney Swans Media, Wallis credits her father – a former player for St Kilda during the World War II years – for her introduction to the sport.
“I lived in country Victoria, and I was introduced because of Dad and we’d go to the local footy,” she shared.
AFL was an important part of her upbringing but when Wallis moved to Sydney in 1970 she learned quickly it was an NRL town. Her family was the touchstone to the AFL back home.
“There was no AFL here back then, not even a whisper of it,” Wallis said.
“So, nothing on Brownlow night. I used ring Dad in Victoria and talk to him for a few hours and see what the result was.”
Just five years after the Swans moved to the harbour city Wallis began attending games at the SCG. In a city dominated by league fans, the club held ‘$1 days’ to encourage attendance.
“Interestingly nobody wore a Swans scarf, hat, beanie, anything. There was hardly any memorabilia going on. All I wore was a red woollen jumper – that’s all I had.”
Wallis continued, “The Swans introduced a $1 day. You could go for a dollar if you wore something red.”
After attending as a casual fan for nearly a decade Wallis signed up as a member in 1996. Admittedly as the Swans popularity grew and securing a seat became difficult on game day.
“More crowds started to come when after the 1996 Grand Final, we couldn’t sit where we wanted,” Wallis admitted.
“I thought, we better join up now because we were red and white, through and through.”
Wallis sat in the O’Reilly stand, eventually sparking conversation with the rows surrounding her. Friendships she describes as her second family.
“At the end of the season we asked, ‘are you going to have the same tickets?’ I said yes. So, that’s how we’ve gathered those friends. We’re very friendly in the O’Reilly stand.
“We go out socially, we talk all the time and discuss the team and what should be happening… in the off-season too.”
Nowadays Wallis’ love for the footy has extended to her family, with her granddaughter both an AFL and inaugural AFLW member. It’s this sense of family that she describes as Bloods culture.
“We love the AFLW too… you can’t compare it (to the AFL) and it’s terrific they’re getting the opportunity,” she noted.
“[Bloods culture] is one in, all in. But it is also family. It’s never give up.”
