At the 2026 Sydney Swans Guernsey Presentation, hosted at the Basil Sellers & Richard Colless Centre, Sydney Swans HQ, Karen James was announced as our 2026 Number One Ticket Holder.
The baton was passed from 2025 Number One ticket holder Jason Kimberley, to Karen, who has been a long-serving and inspirational figure in football in Sydney.
A member of the Swans since 2004, Karen is also a life member of AFL Sydney where her impact spanned from a playing career through to serving as Sydney Women’s AFL President.
Karen’s impact on AFL Sydney is central to the evolution of the women’s competition. Such is her contribution, the medal for the Best and Fairest player in the Division Two Women’s Competition is named the James Medal in her honour.
Here at the Swans, Karen’s love of the red and white runs deep. Karen was a founding member of LASS, Ladies at Sydney Swans, and was a member of our AFLW Steering Committee which guided the build of our now flourishing AFLW program.
In 2021 Karen delivered the toast to our men’s team at this same event. She passionately recounted on-field moments over her journey with the Swans that evening, telling players that fans are right there with them through every goal, every mark, every hit and every act of courage along the way.
Karen's passion for the game has been a driving force in her involvement in the red and white community.
"I just like to be involved [in the game]. I gret up wiht Aussie Rules football, I can into it in my 20's. There is something about this sport.," James said on her passion and drive for the game.
"I think right from the very beginning of my involvement, I've had wonderful interactions with the people here at this club so I felt like I belonged to it right from the very beginning,"
"I really love this sport. I joined the club and have enjoyed all those years since. I think everyone here shares your passion as well," James added.
"I'm looking forward to Opening Round here at the SCG against Carlton. Seeing some of the match ups that I think are very anticipated, but I'm just very excited to be coming back to the SCG and watching football again.
