The word "Kirk" is used in my household as a metaphor to describe anything that is as reliable or as certain as on Brett Kirk on field performance.
For eg. Typical response to the question "do you think I'll nail the job interview" might be "Kirk -safe as houses".
Thanks for the great memories Kirky, you won't be forgotten, especially when it can be seen that younger players like Jack have learned so much from you. Good luck for the future!

Love the way you have gone about it Kirky You will be missed.

Anyone would think you'd died instead of retired, the way some of these people are carrying on! come on kirky and lead the swans to the finals,there's still a fair few rounds to go before you can hang the boots up.

Thanks Kirky for all the efforts

You have done us proud Kirky. An inspiration to all. The Swans heart and soul for so long. Never thought there would be anyone that went close to taking over from Paul Kelly but you went a step further and created a great culture at our club. We will miss watching you play but we wish you all the best in the future. Keep on smiling.

Words can't describe what you mean to the club Kirky. You standing up and speaking so passionatly from your heart at the inaugural Swans Hall of Fame night will remain with me forever. You are in the same league as Skilts and Kell when talking about the impact you have had on the club, thats for sure. I hope you stay around the club in some capacity. You are a true "Blood Brother".

captian Kirk you will be sadly missed thanks for being such a great player and leaving us with some beautiful memories luv bernice xxx

my favourite swan of all time, i remember the first game brett played (hope im right) against north in 99 kicked 3 goals. I thought he was going to be a great player, even though it took a bit longer to become a fixture in the side, he exceeded all my expectations and became one of the games greats. Its the saddest ive ever felt about a retirement including plugga, paul kelly, magic, barry all of them. Brett your a superstar and a legend of this club, wish you were staying

when kell retired i thought he cd never b rplcd. methinks even kell himself wd happily admit he'd been way surpassed by you, kirky.

Hello Kirky,
Thanks for all the memories and great hard footy. Its a joy to watch you play. I had a chance to meet you in the rooms in 2006 and loved it! Thanks for all the great footy. all the best for the future

Thanks for the years you have put your all into this game and the club. As a supporter I have enjoyed the way you go about your game and what I read your life. I wish you all the best for whatever you choose to do with your life, and finally have more time for your family. Thanks again from a grateful fan.

Brett,
Thanks for the memories over the years and the great football. may your life outside of football be as amazing as it was on the field. Goodluck for the future!

You never gave less than 110%, it was an honour to watch you play with the mighty Swans, you will be greatly missed. Your inspirational play and Captaincy is what Champions are made of, and you Brett are certainly a Champion, enjoy your retirement, and thanks for some great memories

Brett Kirk will be missed not only for his football but for the person he is. He brings so much happiness to the kids and the families at Sydney Childrens hospital, Randwick . It was always such a pleasure to see his smiley face. Good luck for the next part of your life journey. You are a champion!!!!

Kirky, you stand alongside Skilts, Kelly and Clegg. a true clubman, champion footballer and a captain who only knows how to lead one way, that is from the front and by example. Have a great season, and thankyou for the many years of football life you shared with your supporters. When the season ends hang up your boots with pride in the knowledge you gave it all for your club, enjoy retirement with your family. you are a true SMFC/SYDNEY SWANS LEGEND. GO BLOODS/SWANS. Bob & Family (8)

Thanks Brett You are inspirational to the club,your mates and your fans,we will miss you but are hopeful one day you will coach the Swans, All the best for your future.

Kirky thanks for the great memories,you are an inspiration to all.You will be especially missed by all of us in the cheersquad.
May life bring you all you deserve.
Enjoy your "retirement"

Dear Brett
Thank you Brett, you have been an inspiration, as a person and a player.
Love from Beryl

Well done on a great career. Like Paul Kelly before you, You have been an inspiration for the club.
I hope you enjoy "retirement", knowing that you have left the club showing the younger players
What can be achieved through giving it 110%. Well Done Kirky.

From a swans supporter for all my life I thank you for all the enjoyment you have given me over your journey as a Swans player and captain. Wishing you and your family all the best. You can stand tall amongst the Swans greatest players.

Thanks for everything you have done,going to miss you,all the best champion.

You have been a credit to yourself, your family and the game.
We will miss the subtle g-ups to give the team when they need it.
Best wishes for your future and I sincerely they can find a position in the Club for you so that you can continue the amazing influence you have on the boys.
All the best, Kirky! Our Captain Courageous!!!!!

Brett Kirk, you have definitely been one of the greatest players in our game of this era, if not all time.
You set a great example for the future generations, and on top of that teach old, forgotten ones to those older than you.
Your never-say-die- attitude was reciprocated in the club's playing style.
You lead alone at the top Mr Kirk, and don't you forget that!
All the best of luck for the future you hold with your family.
And we're all hoping that you'd continue to make a contribution to the club, in some way.
Your legacy will be passed down for many generations to come.
(:
Daniel B, 15, from Sydney.

Without your help and inspiration I would not have made it
Thank You my Blood Brother
I now have a Grandson. I will tell him all about you one day. He will play at Centre Half Forward one day for the Blood Brothers
I will tell him your story.
David John WADE
www.carcinoidwade.com

you aways put it all out there and gave it everything you had! you'll be sorely missed. i hope you stay close to the club and inspire the new kids coming through! take care! xx

Hey Brett,
I'm so saddened that you've taken the decision to retire..though as you said, you need to think with your heart! I have two sons (twins) who both played AFL as youngsters, and were both influenced by your in and under style of play, relentless tagging and tackling skills. Both of them have moved on from playing, but have fond memories of watching you play as well as making an appearance or two at Auskick. You will be sorely missed by your team and in kind your fans. I have watched your career blossom over the years and could not be more proud of your performance! You will be sorely missed, fondly farewelled and remain forever the heart and soul of the Bloods! I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours, and I hope you get to climb mountains in other ways, challenging yourself as you work towards new and exciting goals, and finding the inner peace that I know you're now seeking. All the best my friend, just know you've given so much to the game of Australian Rules, and moreso your dedication to the Swans has been second to none. I hope you are able to respond to me, or at least get to read this dedication, as it comes truly from the heart. To everything there is a season...and I hope that this last one is memorable for you and that you do get to put your head out the car window and feel the breeze around you. Enjoy the ride Brett! xxLisa.

You're the cornerstone of the Bloods spirit and an inspiration. Hope we see you back in some other capacity and best wishes for the future.

Kirky
You are the best of the best, you are the blood that runs throught the SWANS club. It will be a very sad day for us all, when you hang up your boots. love the hard plays that always inspires us, not to give up when the going gets tough, you will be misses so much around the club. All the best in your future endeavours dear warrior.

thanks bret you have given me years of enjoyment i have followed the bloods and attending games since 1964 and are up there with the best all the best bret you will never be forgotten

Thanks for the memories Kirky, will always remember you as the most couragous player of all time. The passion you have for the club and the game is unbelieveable, it won't be the same watching the boys play next season without you. Will always remember 05 and your comment "THIS IS FOR THE BLOODS"

Captain Kirk, we will never forget you. You are a great inspiration not only to aspiring sportsmen but to people who have ambition in any walk of life, knowing that even with average natural talents, you can reach the top level by perseverance, hard work and readiness to serve, even if that requires self sacrifice and pain.

Sept. 05 goes down as one of the great (and most stressful) days of my life, thanks for being part of that day and so much more.
Carn the Bloods!!

Your the heart and soul of this football club and the glue that bonded this football club together. Thankyou for continuing on what others had previously left you. You'll always be known for your courage. Hopefully one day we'll see you coaching our great club!

Brett, You have been inspirational both as a player and as captain. Thanks for all the great memories. Good luck to you and your family in the future

All we little Sydney Kids,
to a Champion, doff our lids,
that courageous & generous Kirk,
hard work he will never shirk
We wouldn't swap him for billions of quids

Goodbye to a blue collar modern day legend of the game... I'm not a swans supporter but i loved the way u played...

Goodbye to a blue collar modern day legend of the game... I'm not a swans supporter but i loved the way u played...

Oh Kirky, it's going to be so sad to see you play for the last time this year. Your dedication, commitment, hard work and attitude to football and to life generally has been an inspiration to me and something I have learnt a lot from. Every time you've stepped on the ground, whether it be in 2002, 2005 or 2010, the impact has been amazing - bringing the match to life!
And thankyou for always coming over and giving us supporters in Bay 7 a wave and a cheer after a win - it means a lot.
Best wishes for you and your family and for whichever direction the universe points you!

Congrats on a wonderful career Kirky! You are a champion on and off the field - a breath of fresh air in the football world. You will be missed!

Thanks Brett for your courage, commitment and leadership to our beloved Swans over the years. A stand-out memory for me will be your cry, "This is for the Bloods" on the dais at the 2005 grand final. I spent many disappointing Saturday afternoons at the Lake Oval with my dad in the 1950's barracking for the Bloods, and to witness a grand final win after so many years was so thrilling. And a lot of it was due to you. I'm sure that your leadership qualities will stand you in good stead in life after football.
Peter

Brett, we thank you for your contribution to our beloved Swans. Your determination to be the best you can be is an inspiration to all. Not only in a football sense but as role model to anyone who has struggled. We wish you and your family a very happy future.

Hey mate, Its going to be hard next year watching with out you running around! congrats on ur career and thanks for the memories! Lets go out with a bang in 2010 then ey!! for you and roosy!! long live the bloods!!!

Thanks for every thing Brett, you are a great player.

Brett,
Was gutted to hear you're retiring, best of luck post footy. Thanks for everything you've done for the footy club, and especially for your efforts in 05/06, 2 great years that will never be forgotten. You'll be missed.

Hi Brett,
Many thanks for your great involment in keeping up the standards of being a great player.
I wish you all the very best for your future. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Regards,
Bill Sheather.

All the best Kirky,
By the way God has a name....JESUS.

Kirky your a inspiration to everyone im only 15 and now i know that if you work hard you can achieve anything

Kirky, you are a true champion of the swans and i wish u could play forever.

I met u the night of the bloods hall of fame and got a photo of me kissing you on the cheek, well that photo is centre stage at my house and the wall of my phone.
I think i have a man crush on you.
You are one of the all time greatest to ever pull on a bloods jumper.
Proud to say that your my teams captain.

Dear Brett,
You are an inspiration. Thanks so much for being a great leader at our football club. Whatever it is you do post playing, I'm sure you'll kill it! You Rock.

Many years ago we spoke to you in a lift after a game and you were dissapointed because you did not get much game time, Rodney Eade was the coach at the time.We could not understand why because we thought you deserved better. True to form you proved yourself a top first class player. Will be sorry to see you go but wish you all the best best for the future.
P.S. I hope the rumour that you are going to assist Sheedy is not true -- you are a SWAN THROUGH & THROUGH

Dear Kirky
You are the best mate a true champion, a great great player and it has been wonderful to see you go around in the red and the white! Have followed your career from the beginning - just dont know who i can scream out for when you go!!! Please have a wonderful life with your lovely family best wishes deb bastian

Thank you Brett Kirk for lighting up the ground every time you came near the ball. Thank you also for showing my junior Swannies what it means to be a true leader and a great sportsman. All the very best for the future from Joe, Rosalie and Katrina

Kirky; you are an angel, sent down from heaven, and left a blood stain on the Swans. Your courage and leadership brought home the cup. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Kirky,
When Captain Kelly retired his body giving up on him I thought
it would be a long time before we saw another player who has such courage and passion for the Bloods. Then you showed up. You're an old fashion hard footballer who never gives up with determination second to none.
The media and AFL get so hung up about the big names and pretty football. For me football is simple, I just want the job done and to do that you call Captain Kirk!
Well done mate, and thanks for the fantastic memories.

One more thing. I hope the Swans "retire" the number 31 jersey now as a mark of respect to a GREAT PLAYER. NO ONE else could ever fill it as well as you can.

Hi Hayley and Brett, Firstly thanks Hayley for your blog each week, I will sorely miss it.Always a great read. And secondly thanks for sharing Brett with the Swans fans for so long.
We all remember where we were when we heard Elvis had died, or Princess Diana, and so it will be with "what were you doing when you heard Brett was retiring?". Shock. horror. tragedy. Selfish of me I know and I am not known for that.As always, the positive side of me, thought it was a joke, some crazy on the news on the radio.
Brett, what will we do without you? Who has got your courage, passion, tenacity and determination to get those "hard ball gets"? You've got 17 weeks left to try and instil in someone all those attributes we hold so dear.
My eyes aren't so good now and so I rely on the big screen a lot, but I know for sure when there's a pack there, odds on Brett Kick will be there gamely hanging onto the ball at the bottom of it.
I admire your belief in Buddhism and try to take on some of those beliefs. And particularly your patience. I can recall many a time you went up to Barry Hall and tried to calm him and defuse a situation in his latter years with the Swans. He knew you were fair dinkum and made perfect sense every time.
I hope they make a video of you talking at a quarter, half time or 3/4 time huddle so they can play it on the ground when you are no longer there to motivate the team in absentia so to speak.
It was worth sitting up in a train all night from Sydney in 05 to see you so proudly on that dias with the boys,(planes all full) and then to go back on Sunday arvo.Ironically, it took my daughter and I till the train reached Albury, to read the Sunday papers of every bit of footy news and photos we could get our hands on. The ticker tape reception at Town Hall lives in my heart forever on my screen saver.
At Micky O and Leaping Leo's last game, I hung over the fence with my Premiersip flag in their face and said "Thanks for this boys." and raised a smile on their faces. I'll do the same for you at your last game, hopefully, where I can buy another Premiership flag!
It shows how much you are loved and will be missed by the number of tributes on this page, it took me 2 hours to read them all to 9.30pm on 21 May.
Thanks for announcing it now so we can "wean" ourselves off loving you in the next 4 months. AS IF!!!!!The Swans games will just not be the same without you there. I guess Goodsey will be next. Kleenex just don't make enough tissues to allow for the tears I've shed since Kelly et al left.
Love you all. Best wishes to you and your wonderful family.xxxx

They say that sports brings out the best of people and you have proven that to be so true. I believe that the saying of the toughest man alive in AFL is you Your a Ledgend.You've inspired the whole team to do things that they never though they could do and I praise you for that.Best wishes for yourself and you family.

Thanks for the memories you have left with us. I have enjoyed every moment watching you with your unmistakable courage and passion for the game. What an inspirational ambassador! You leave massive shoes to fill!

Brett,
You embody the blood spirit in everything you do both on and off the field. You make me proud to be a member of the club and your courage & leadership is an inspiration to all that follow the Swans. Thanks for all of the countless memories, both in good times and bad. I heard someone sum it up best when they said: "Superman wears Brett Kirk pyjamas". Best of luck for the future. Paul.

Brett- You have been an amazing player and we wont forget you! Thank you for the memories! Good luck in your future Sara

Well done Brett, an insperational player and person. We all enjoyed the way you played,tough and hard but always a great leader. Good luck mate. Enjoy the life after footy. "31". Glenn Quade Uranquinty N.S.W

Good on ya Kirky!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hear and soul of the mighty Swans!!!!!!!!

Kirky, what are we going to do without you. You are my favourite player. Your dedication and leadership and belief in our boys and our club and not to forget Roosy's faith in you, won us a flag.

Thankyou for the the memories, all the best to you and your beautiful family.
Go Bloods

I have followed this footy club for 25 years and have cried over many who have left this great club but Captain Kirk you break my heart! Thankyou for your contribution to the BLOODS!

You are the heart and soul of the sydney swans! good luck for the rest of the season and we'll all miss you. you are an inspiration to me to strive for whatever i want to be in this life. keep p the good work!!!!

I first met Capt. Kirk after the 05 grand final and again after the 06 grand final both times in Melbourne. I have always loved watching Brett play his hard rugged brand of football and I know he will be really missed both around the club, amongst the team, the members and fans will also miss him. I hope football has been all you wanted and I know the future will be fantastic for you in what ever you do.
We will all miss you.
Kevin and Bronwen from The Central Coast,NSW

Kirky to follow in the footsteps of kell, dunks and stuey maxfield would have been a challenge for anyone. To think that you went back to Albury and returned to become one of the greatest leaders in AFL and definately Sydney history is such a credit to you and your family. The bloods supporters across many generations, stand tall, proud and grateful for having had you lead our team. I hope you stay involved with the club, and I also hope you keep leading with spirit.
Thanks for giving us the memories. We'll never forget 2005, nor the years building and striving for that moment.

Kirky you are a legend! It is sad news but as they say 'all good things must come to an end'. Best wishes to you and your family.

Congratulations Kirky, you're going out a true champion of the game, and of the club!
Best wishes from Albury!
Russell Maddison

Farewell Kirky. You will be sorely missed. Go the Bloods! Cheer! Cheer!

A great champion of the Swans I am so proud of you and this great team.

B for bold, brave and beautiful.
R for respected by all.
E for excellence, endurance, and enthusiasm.
T for terrific teamate and teacher.
T for thankyou, and a tearful goodbye.
I have your photo as my screensaver and always will!
Love and good luck to you Brett, the ultimate Blood Stained Angel.

G'day Brett,
You will be able to look back over your career knowing you enjoy the love and respect of fans and players alike.
You have been an inspiration as can be seen from the comments on this page.
We will miss you very much.
Thanks for the memories, it's been awesome.

Kirky,
Years ago I was at the SCG, sitting about two rows back from the interchange bench, and I saw this young bloke warming the bench who had the best 'side-ies' ever. I just knew he would be something special!
Then you just seemed to blossom under Paul Roos' coaching.
I thought you were the heart & soul of the team when we won the flag in '05.
And then when I read the news the other night that you were retiring - well it was as sad a day as when I heard that Sandra Dee had passed away.

You represent everything that makes a person so proud & happy to support a footy team.
At least the wife & kids will be spared me yelling out "Kirkeeee" at the top of my voice while watching the footy on TV.
Thank you & all the very best for the future.
Mac

Kirky, you are more than a footballer, you are an inspiration to us all and will be sadly missed. Our daughter Yasmin had open heart-surgery last Thursday in Melbourne (we are from Adeladie) and I know I look up to you for inspiration during these times and can't want to see you here against Port in a few weeks time. Kirky I just want to say thank you for making a difference not just on the field and of the field at the Sydney Swans but also in my life as well. I have a framed photo of you that I have in my study that I won through the club. Look forward to seeing you in Adelaide. Take Care Matt Willmer

Kirky the skinny little runt from high school to go on and become the champian you have i salute you. You are a champian and i had pleasure watching your career from the first pre season game as a rookie vs collingwood 20 odd touches i think to being a premiership captain congats champ all the best for rest of year Maybe oneday youll come surf some real waves in Qld Cheers mate

Captain Kirky, How can I thank you for all you have given to our beloved Swans, the mighty Bloods. You are the heart of the Club and the tears will surely flow in round 22. Thanks for the memories esp. 2005 when you bled for us all. To me you are the greatest Swan of all. Will miss your cheeky smile. Debbie

Kirky, You have been a legend and a great leader. You are and always have been my favourite player.
Best Wishes

Your a champion true heart n soul of the club!thanks for the memories captain kirky

Brett i was with you at the footy clinic with Ted Richards i am a die hard swans supporter and i am so disappointed that u r retiring but i am grateful that u played so goo if u can pls email me at joshc10@live.com.au

Thanks, Brett, for all the enjoyment you have provided to Swans supporters and to sports enthusiasts all. I've been a Swans supporter since the 1950's, and you are up there with the best, Bob Skilton, Barry Round, Plugger; all of you have made great contributions to Aussie Rules and your memory with always be as a great team contributer who played with skill, courage and commitment!!Best wishes for the future (I hope you stay involved with footy.)

I've followed your career since you first played in the seconds.You have never given less than 100% and have been a joy to watch. Thank you for all you have done and best wishes for your future.

Dear Captain Kirk,
Thankyou for giving the best part of your soul to our club. Stand tall, you made a difference and I will miss you so much.
Ali

Kirky
My name is Lachlan and i am 13 and a swans fanatic. i bought a signed swans jersey for $260 without the money or permission. As you can guess they were not amused and i had to take up a pamphlet run to pay off my debt. I am out of debt now and am thrilled to have all my legends signatures. When i studied my jersey though i discovered to my great shock and horror your signature (Kirkys) was not on it. What this all leads up to is just that you are an amazing person and player and i still don't have your signature but i would just like to say good luck Kirky in whatever you choose to do after AFL you are my idol.
Lachlan Hart

19 May 2010 - A great day for zen Buddhism a devastating day for the swans.
Best wishes Kirky and thanks for all that you've given the game and the sense of pride you have instilled in every Swans supporter

You are the heart and soul of a great team and I will miss your unbelievable inspiration and will to win for the team.Thank You for the magic you have provided and the Premiership delivered by you as Captain.

To a true Blood.One who epitomised shaking down the thunder from the sky. Sincere best wishes Brett. And thank you for so many proud & fond memories of our Swans.

kirky what a wonderful example you have set over the past years it has been a plesure watching you play for the swans

Kirkie,
I'll leave all the Captain Kirke jokes out.
Thanks for your leadership, undying dedication and courage. Will miss you on the field in 2011.
Thanks for the premiership in 2005 and for the memories.
Cheers mate,
Greg - a Swannies fan in WA

Thanks for the memories, especially Sept. 05.

Great player,Always interesting to watch.Tried hard at all times.
For certain Brett, you will be missed. All the best for your future plans.
Karen Deacon Grimme from Tasmania

What a champion! Its been great to watch you play always giving your best to the mighty Swans. You always have time for your fans and I know you wave especially to me when you play in Melbourne! Best wishes. Amy's mum!

Kirky, Thanks for all the great memories you've left us with. Its been a pleasure watching you year after year. You are going to be missed. Enjoy the next phase of your life with your beautiful family. Hopefully we will see you back at the club with another venture to which you will make us all proud! Long live number 31!!!

Thanks for everything that you've given to our club Brett. You symbolise what's best about the Swans and you've been a leader of great character and inner strength. We'll certainly miss you, but you've put a stamp on the club and the team that will endure.

Gonna miss ya, Captain. You have helped me show a lot of people how great the Swans are,what a great game it is, and helped me turn the rest of my family and kids into 'bloods' fanatics too. The game and all its followers will never forget ya mate, and what you've done for it. I hope your legacy of attitude, commitment,courage and good sportsmanship is stamped indelibly within the Swans culture, a great and restectable culture that you helped to shape. 'on ya, Captain.

i will really miss your positive spirit, your amazing toughness, and your beautiful smile on the footy field. i wish you all the very best with your new life being a full time dad and hubby, and will miss you forever. love Jenny Horne, swannies member from Vic

Hi Brett,
Thanks for the pleasure you have given to me and many others by your courageous approach to the game,the spirit in which you played it and your ability to inspire your team mates. I believed in you right from the beginning well before the club seemed to.Have a great retirement. You deserve it.

Thanks Brett, you are up there with Skilts and Kel as an inspiration and spiritual leader. I have loved watching you play; you so often lifted your team-mates and all of us, on and off the arena, by words and example.
A personal thank you for recommending the life-enhancing books of Eckhart Tolle.May your spirit and good fortune endure. May you live in love. Go Bloods.

Captain my captain. Slow, cant kick, mark or handball; but an absolute gun.

There isn't enough words that can describe you contribution to the Swans Courage and inspirational leadership are only part of the reason you will be remembered Thank you for all the memories you have given us and the general football public you will be missed on the field i hope the club can find a place for yor many talents off the field all the best to you and your family in the next phase of your life

It's so great to barrack for a team that you KNOW tries it's best every week ... win, lose or draw. Kirky, you're a significant reason why this club has so much determination and class. Thanks for bringing us so much happiness for so long. Good luck for your future.

Kirky, as our 2yr.old grandaughter calls you, thank you so much for all the enjoyment you have given us over the years. Not that we have seen much of you, you always seem to be at the bottom of the pack, except when you are exhorting your fellow team mates to higher planes. Who can forget Captain Kirk with bandaged head, arms waving passionately imploring the Swans to give just a little bit more. We shall miss you sorely, thank you!
Margaret & Vieri Benco

I have been a follower of the Swans ever since 1944, and have seen many great players over these years but you Brett, while perhaps not in the class of Skilton or Kelly regarding the skills of the game, have been second to none in the realm of on field bravery and inspirational impetus. I will regret your retirement more than any I can think of.
Having said this Hayley and your children, to whom you owe the most love and loyalty, will now be able to benefit from those attributes that you have shared with your many fans and team mates for such a long time, in a way that they deserve. Maybe there can be a future for you for us to share in, perhaps a coaching role?

The Sydney Swans FC have been blessed with two champions and leaders amongst all leaders of men in the last 15 years - that being Paul Kelly and Brett Kirk. The flag in 2005 was a bonus, watching these two by deeds alone was a pleasure every single game they played. I have delighted at their commitment to the Bloods cause, smiled a satisfied smile for their love of teammates after a goal or victory, frozen in terror with their single-minded attack on a contest and burst with pride with their courageness and leadership. The memory of Kirky willing himself and the team back into the contest in the 2006 GF will live on forever!! The 'Worlds Toughest Man' was emotionally and physically spent after coming so close to winning what I would have called 'Kirky's premiership' however, he still had the human decency to congatulate every single player from West Coast and display unbelievable compassion to all of his teammates after the siren had sounded. Thanks for the memories Champ.

Oh Kirky! It was always going to end in our tears when you announced your retirement. *sniff* But it was a totally wild ride to the top in 2005. One of the most nail-biting, crazy years of football ever. Followed by a second which you almost single-handedly pulled another rabbit from the hat, but fell heart-breakingly short.
Your ability to play this long, physically exhausting game to the very last second and take your team with you every single week - i.e. the not-so-secret Brett Kirk strategy for winning many marginal games; keeping in touch and running out winners. God, how I wished you could have put many teams away in the first half!! But then who'd remember that. (And your kicking got better too - bonus!)
Like every other heartfelt comment on this page - it was never just about your football like so many 'greats', although your mental and physical strength and toughness is now forever, stuff of legend, it was always about your indomitable spirit, your humility and leadership, your fair play, your heart-on-sleeve and passion, and your radiating love, concern and respect for team-mates, the club, the game and *us supporters*. It wasn't just following 'a football team' under your leadership, it was a philosophical and spiritual journey being played out on a football ground!! A very rare and special gift that you've given to us all. Thank you, it's been a privilege to have been a supporter of the Swans during the Brett Kirk era.

Brett, were going to miss watching you run up the footy field. You really are amazing and the Sydney games are not going to be the same again.
Yu're the greatest, good luck for the future mate
Much love clara xxxx

Kirky, please don't be lost to the swans. I hope you can take up some sort of mentoring/coaching role as I believe you show that you dont have to be the quickest or strongest competitor to win, but the one willing to make the most sacrifices. Also thanks for restoring the old bloods moniker and feel of the place.

Brett, everything that's been said about you is so true. You're all that and more. Your leadership, courage and inspiration will live long in our football club for years to come. When Kell retired I was devastated as he was my favourite player. But when you cross the boundary line for the last time (hopefully at the MCG on Grand Final Day 2010) I will be devastated all over again. I love your life values as it is sorely needed in these times and not easily found. You can't be replaced but know that what you have been to the Swannies & to football in general, will be remembered and aspired to by all who play the great game of AFL. Not seeing you in Number 31 in the coming years will not be the same. I wish you,Hayley & the kids all the best of everything for the future. You have truly earned it Captain!

There are 2 words that get thrown around willy nilly, Champion and Legend and most players dont get near that status. But Kirky will be remembered as a champion of the AFL but be will always be remembered as a legend of the swans

Kirky- thanks for giving the club everything you have. We are indebted to you forever. Please please please dont go to Western Sydney. Your a Swan.

Kirky,
What are legend you are! You have been a fantastic blood. Its been an honour to watch you wear our great jumper. You deserve to be spoken about along with Bobby Skilton and Paul Kelly. Cheer Cheers!

We cant believe Brett is about to retire. He has been one of our favourites since he first came to the Swans way back when. He always gave his "all", even on the days when things were'nt going the way he would have wished. Dare we say, it wont be the same without you "Kirky".

From the Hale family in the West, Thanks for making the following of the Swans so great in your inspirational time in the Red and White. Just brilliant mate!!!, Peter Hale and family.

You are a truly inspirational player and gentleman . I will miss watching you play and watching you give 110% each week.
>Good luck for your future endevours.

Thanks for the memories Kirky. Good luck for the future. Sad to see you go. GO BLOODS :-)

If you tackle your post football life with the same gusto with which you've tackled on the field you are sure to succeed in whatever you put your hands too. Well done and thanks

Captain Kirk, we can never thank you enough, to watch you week after week play with all your heart, your Ethos will stay with the club forever. You are an inspiration to us all.

Kirky,
What a legend you are! You have been a fantastic blood. Its been an honour to watch you wear our great jumper. You deserve to be spoken about along with Bobby Skilton and Paul Kelly. Cheer Cheers!

To Brett and Hayley Kirk of the Sydney Swans (Bloods).
Many thanks to you Brett for your continued courage and dedication on the football field, you will be sadly missed and I hope you have a great year this year on the field and thanks to Hayley for the loving support she has shown you over your career with the Swans - GO BLOODS

Brett Kirk, you are a role model for all, not only for footballers. You will be sorely missed.

Brett, I am an old South Melbourne supporter and have seen many great players and you certainly deserve to be ranked with the best.You are a respected and admired AFL sportsman and have been a courageous and inspirational leader of the swans. I will never forget your efforts during the 2005 finals series and particularly your selfless, gutsy last quarter in the grand final but what else would we expect from you.Thanks for the memories enjoy the rest of this season and your family in the future.

Simply one of the greatest to ever represent the spirit of "the bloods" .... on and off the field. We will miss you.

Brett,I have been a member since 1933, and I have seen a great many terrific players, but there has been none better than you for throwing yourself in heart and soul, it will be sad to see you go, but as you think the time is right, then that's all that matters, I wish you and your family the very best of luck for the future, THE MIGHTY BLOODS FOR EVER

well done on your great career kirky. You've been great to the club and i hope to see you coaching the bloods one day

a great team player,a footballer who rembers the bloods and took us on a great journey,all the best brett

Dear Brett
You have been the heart and soul of the Swans and they will miss your grunt in the midfield. But it is good that you listened to your heart for the sake of your family and your sanity.
Namaste!
Julia

you r a legend of our club will be sad to see you go looking forward to u guys coming to Perth to play the dockers ill be there go the bloods

Dear Brett,there is no greater example of how footy should be played and life should be lived.You are a true legend,you make us proud every game,win or lose.You will be sorely missed but I know your legacy will stay with the Swans for generations to come. All the best to you and your beautiful family.

Thanks for fond memories. Wished you could stay bit longer. All the best wishes to you and your family.

Brett, You have given us many hours of enjoyment over the past 9 years. I has been an honour and a priveledge to watch you become one of the most inspirational and dedicted footballers in the country. May your future life be as sucessful as your footy life. you will always be a very important thread in the fabric of the Swans. Please do not forsake your spiritual home for any other AFL team.

You have been a fantastic player to watch over the years and you will be sorely missed. When you play in Melbourne its fantastic that you always spend time on the ground after a win to thank the crowd. It means a lot and it speaks highly of you. My mum always thinks you manage to wave specifically to her! It makes her day and its become the family joke. "Kirky's waving to me!". Thanks for your committment to the club and waving to my mum!

No doubt and inspiration. My son plays football because of you. He's been told he has no real talent but excells in the drive and determination department. He likes to model himself both on and off the field by your example. Sorely missed by AFL supporters, Swans supporters and Brett Kirk Supporters alike.

Like Skilts Kel Stewie and all our players the true bloods spirit comes from our beloved Kirky . Thanks for a wonderful ride.

Kirky, Thanks for all the great effort over your journey at the Swans. You are a legend who will never be forgotten at the club and with the fans. A true Blood and lets hope for a successsful season to finish off on...onwards to victory!

Kirky, you have given us countless great memories on the footy field, and we admire you as a man,thank you and good luck to you and your family for the future,GO THE BLOODS

Thanks for the memories, and also for being a great ambassador for the club...Sorry to see you go, and all best wishes for you and your family for the future....

Hey Brett, well done on a brilliant career mate, all the best for the future. Absolutely loved the vision of your pre-game speech to the playing group in Mickey O's 300th game. made me want to jump the fence and pull on the Red and White and go into battle with you.

Kirky, the McKirdys would like to convey our deepest thanks for the person and player you are.
Your leadership skills are of the highest standard and the dedicated role model you are and encourage others to be is inspirational. The beliefs in the bloods culture for doing the right thing and giving your all for yourself, team mates and the fans equates to the name Brett Kirk. Your unwavering efforts on the field, support to other players and your never say die attitude against your opponents is never suprising.
You will be sorely missed as a player but will always have a place within the Swans Family, please don't forget that. We hope you stay forever.

Brett you are an inspiration as a footballer & more importantly as a person. You are the ideal role model for anyone to model their life on displaying exceptional strength of character & love. The legacy that you leave our club is immeasurable.
Your ideal of brotherhood & love bound the team into a very formidable unit. I will always remember your words after our GF defeat in 2006. "These are my brothers we never stopped trying for a moment" ...reducing me to tears.
There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that you are the best captain of all time.
Thank you for you great efforts & we will miss you immensely.
May God bless you Brett.
Frank & Pat Sibberas.

I have been a member of South Melb./Swans football Club since 1953 .I have watched many couragous and brilliant team players putting their bodies on the line for the bloods.You are an equal to the likes of Bobby Skilton (Skilts)@ Paul Kelly to name but a few.Your leadership,passion & influence in instilling the bloods spirit to our young and indeed older players both on and of the field will be your legacy to our club for all time !We will never forget you dedicating the win "This is for the Bloods " to us all at the game in 2005 , those watching on T V and to those who had/nt live to feel the joy ! Your kindness and compassion did not go unnoticed at an after match function in Melb. last year, when so tied and battle weary (Michael O 300 game)you noticed a little boy crying because he was too far back in the queue to get an autograph-you came back to him ,wiped away his tears ,pulled back his hair and stood with him while his Mother took a photo of you both-that little boy will be a" blood" for life !There were many tears of joy and pride from those that witnessed your compassion to that little boy.I wish you and your family peace,love and happiness in what ever your future endeavours may be-please say it will not be to G W S!-we selfishly want your bright light shining on us at the Swans !!Thanks for the memories.

What will we do without Captain Kirk guts and determination on the field. A true leader and he will be badly missed. Well done mate on a fantastic career

An inspirational leader and true captain! Living as a real "bloods".
Simply the best! Please consider coaching, you are too talented to leave our game, we will miss you!!

Brett, you have been an inspiration to players and young people watching the game. You conduct yourself with dignity in good and bad circumstances, you really are a true champion, you will be sorely missed by many especially me!

well done kirky on a great career,all the best to you and your family,you have been an inspiration to the club and its supporters,go the swannies.

KIRKY!! THANKYOU!!
You have inspired me and my family for many years. You would have to be one of the hardest footballers ever!! Last Week I met 1 of my heroes (Paul Kelly) now it is my dream to meet you!!

Thank you Captain Kirk. How we have enjoyed the passion that you play with! Best wishes to you and your family. Your Swannie fans down here in Tassie and all across Aus will miss you.

Kirky your prescence, inspiration and leadership will be missed by the bloods. You are a much respected person who has instilled great values at the football club. All the best in the next chapter of your life.

Your courage and your leadership will always remain as a great legacy to our Club. You are a great role model for all aspiring AFL kids.

Kirky, you are a true inspiration in the way you play your footy and live your life. Leading by example in every way! Go Bloods!

Kirky, you have been inspirational on and off the field. Thank you for all the memories, the Swans won't be the same without you! All the best to you and your family, and for all your post-footy endeavours :)

A true gentleman who will be sadly missed on and off the field. I hope you enjoy your life outside of footy.

KIrky, Our heads told us that you would eventually retire, but in our hearts we believed you would go on forever. Thank you for your unceasing efforts on the field and your inspiration to the team. Will miss you when you go!!

Brett, if you want to know how much you are loved check out the letters column (Right Hand Side) in today's (21/05/10)Sydney Morning Herald!

Quite simply , you have been the best and a role model for others to follow. I wish you continued success on whichever road you follow. You have provided us all with great joy and pride in the " Bloods "

After watching my first Sydney Swan's game last year, I will always remember listening to a talk you gave to your team and their families after the game. I was so impressed by how you spoke from your heart and expressed your values.When I was returned home to Canada I told all my friends about this wonderfully inspiring spiritual Swan's player .
You certainly left me thinking that footy players were terrific.You will be missed.

Dear Brett
Thank you. I'm sure your influence and ethos will live on and we will see a little bit of Brett Kirk in the Swans of years to come.

Kirky you came to the club and persisted and we salute you for that. You followed in the footsteps of legends at the Swans like Paul Kelly and Stuart Maxfield and now have become one yourself. Congratulations mate, make this last year your best year. Dont leave anything on the track and bring the Swans home strong!!

and i'll stand here crying.....

Thanks for the years of commitment Kirky, you always wore your heart on your sleeve and not once during your career did you back out of any contest, a true blood.

What a man and what a perfect way to finish the best career. You have change this club forever with Roosy and those before you and after your retirement will never be allowed to forget your contribution to the now famous "SWANS CULTURE". My family thanks you from the bottom of hearts SWANS'05!! Eugene, Lisa, Jesse & Holly_3rd & 4th generation South Melbourne supporters.

Well done Brett Kirk, you are a true champion on and off the field. I got the honor of shaking your hand at the toss in Narranderra this year something that I will never ever forget thank you for the memories. All the best to you and your family

thanks for the memories Captain, you are a legend whose influence over the culture of the club will benefit the swannies for a long time yet

Kirky, Your smile lights up your face, your hard work and dedication and sheer guts lights up the SCG.You have been and will continue to be a light to guide the Sydney Swans forward. A great captain, and a legend.All the best for your future.

Brett, I am an "oldie", having followed the SWANS since 1959. I vividly remember your early playing days where it was so obvious to me, the courage with which you played and the knocks you took both on and off the field. I thought with EADE you were hard done by and were not going to get a go. Fortunately a change in coaching and with "new eyes watching" someone saw the potential in your game and the rest is history - well done on a great contribution to the club - AND YOU HAVE A MEDAL which not many are good enough to get.

You may be leaving the field, but you've shared your heart with the heart of the Swans and that will always be the beat of the Swans. Thank you for being our heart and soul, for being such a great player and for being such a great man. You are an inspiration to all.

All the best Kirky, you are the epitome of mental strength, persistence, and the Bloods ethos. A perfect role model and advocate of the never-say-die attitude that won the Swans the '05 premiership and nearly the '06 premiership, you came from relative obscurity to become the heart and soul of the team. Here's hoping that you stick around at the club and that whoever fills your spot does so with the same sense of pride and ethics are you do. All the best Captain Kirk, I salute you!

Captain Kirk...you've been a champion player mate and always played with great passion. Sad to see you go but just make sure that in your last game for the club that you are holding the premiership cup aloft!!!!

From the day I saw you at the grand final parade in 2005 I knew the cup was ours.You have done so much for this club and it's Sydney and Melbourne Fans. I wish you and your family all the best in your retirement and thanks for bring the "BLOODS" BACK TO LIFE! Regards Stephen.

BLOODY LEGEND! You are going to leave one very big hole to fill. Youve got more heart in your little toe than most other players have (bloods excluded of course). Will be plenty of tears shed when you run off for the last time , late sept sounds good to me. Go bloods!

From a Bombers supporter - Kirky; you've have a great career and tasted premiership glory. you've lead by example and have always been a delight to watch onfield going very hard at the ball. You certainly deserve every accolade. Well done mate and best of luck in future.

Brett,
Thank you for what you have done to reinforce the "Bloods" culture for years to come.
You have been the inspirational example I always hold up for my boys to follow, on and off the field. Your determination and will to reach the top has been well documented. Your integrity and refusal to compromise your values is just as important.
And thanks for allowing the fans to understand and share your passion.
Have a great season ... we can all sense something good is around the corner!
Beyond 2010, I hope you can stay on, surely there is a mentoring role with the new Academy? If not, just don't go to GWS!!!

Brett, my first memory of you before you were drafted is after a Sydney Swans reserves game in the late 90's.
I gave you a drink and a pat on the back and congratulated you for playing a great game, your words to me were " I just want a chance, I know I can do this". Your words and emotion were full of conviction. Since that moment I have watched your career grow, grow to become the heart and soul of the 'Bloods', for me it's no surprise to see you play and lead the way you do and when ever I get challenged I say, I know I can do this!
All the best for the future Brett,
John Mercieca (former masseur/trainer Sydney Swans)

Brett you are an inspiration to all players, you do play with heart and soul in your effort for the Swans. We are so greatful for the efforts over the years and wish you and your lovely family health and the happiness you have given Swans fans. Thank you!!!!!

A courageous decision from a fine footballer and a man who is held in universally high esteem. Thank you Brett for helping to mould the next generation of Swans. I often think how lucky we are, as Swans supporters, to be able to have such genuine pride, not only in the on-field performances of our team, but in the strength of character and the quality of the individuals for whom we barrack. And amongst them you are foremost. Your no-fuss aproach and steely grit are only but two of the traits that endear you to your many fans. Your respect for the tradition of the Club and its roots in South Melbourne are also really appreciated. Enjoy your remaining matches in the Red & White. Hoping you stay involved in some capacity - you still have so much to give.

For 36 years i have watched ,cheered for the BLOODS. You cant really understand how much enjoyment you have given to all that have watched you lead/play .You are a inspiration to all that watched you play . Thank you for all games you played mate. All the best for the future, i hope they dont let you go buddie it would just like someone cutting the heart out ? Cheers Scotty

Thank you Brett Kirk for the last 12 years of your life. You have always been an inspiration and a role model to me to always try hard and then try harder in anything I do. My love to you and your family.

Brett I Have followed the Swans since 1974 when I came to Australia and the only other person I have seen with the same commitment and courage like YOU is Paul Kelly. If every Player Had the same Love of the Swans as YOU , We would have more Premierships than We Have Good luck and THANKS . Harry

Captain Kirk,
You are such an inspirational character both on and off the field. You have been with the Swans ever since i began watching and supporting this great club, as mentioned many times before me you will be missed. Congratulations on such a marvelous career. I wish you and your family all the best.
Good luck for the rest of the season and thanks for the awesome ride.
*salutes* =)

You are my hero. The courage you display on a consistent basis, inspires me. When things arn't falling my way, i think of you on the bottom of the pack. When im lost and wondering through life, i think of your 3/4 time talk on the 24th September 2005. When one of my friends needs help, i think of a strapped wrist pulling up his team mate's jersey.
You are my hero Brett Kirk.
Whether you're wearing red and white or not.

Kirky I would hope you the best in what ever you do with the rest of life! Thank you for sheer enjoyment that you have given to all that have watched you lead and play for South Melbourne/Swans I never thought i would see the Swans win a Grand Final , and it was so fitting it was you who lead them Thank you for all the memories . Cheers Scotty

To Captain Kirk you have fought the good fight for us all,and have earned he total respect of all in football in Australia,may you enjoy your retirement as we know you will be with us in the spirit you have embodied in our club, and we wish nothing but the best for you and your family in the future.

kirky my friend...you have been an inspiration. I cant imagine a swans team without you. You will be missed dearly. I don't think there is a player or supporter who doesn't respect you and what you have done for the swans. You are a true leader, and will be missed. I hope to see you around the with the swans in the future...I'm thinking assistant manager?
See you on Saturday Captain Kirk!

Kirky, when I discuss leadership you are one of my examples, your journey, your passion for the club and the sport, clearing your mind to give 100% of yourself to what you are doing, your speeches during the 2005 finals campaign even though you were not the "official" captain, the need to trust your team mates and giving yourself fully to the team. You are a true leader and inspiration to so many people. Like so many of your fans I hope there is an ongoing roles for you at the Swans and I am going to enjoy this year as the Roos and Kirky farewell year.

Kirky you're an inspiration to not only sportsmen everywhere but young people who strive to achieve things that people tell them are impossible. Your story is truly amazing and you are without a doubt my role model in life. You will be sorely missed by fans.

Brett Kirk is a BLOODS LEGEND! An inspiration to younger players coming up through the club. Watching Kirky play you know he gave his absolute all. He may at times have looked exhausted, but would still will himself to the next contest and more often than not, have an impact. Having had the pleasure to have met him on several occassions he is such a happy and positive person. A credit to his family and to the Swans family. You will be greatly missed!

Congrats on your retirement Brett. You have been my favorite player to watch over there years. My favorite moment i have of your career is the day pickett ran through u i think it was in adelaide and you just stood up like nothing ever happened. Your the toughest bloke in the comp and you will be a great loss to the club. Good luck with the future

Thanks Captain Kirk! All the best for the rest of year - hopefully cap it off with another premiership =).
You have simply been an inspiration to modern and young footballers coming through the ranks. You legacy will not be forgotten at the Swans.
Your leadership has been inspiring to others and I hope you stay within the club for many years.
Thanks again
Will

Captain Kirk, heart and soul of the Mighty Swans!!! Thanks for the magnificent football memories that will remain with me forever!!! Being the Inspirational Team Player that you are is what "The Bloods" is all about!!! Live long and prosper Kirky!!!

Dear Brett,
I second everything that has been said so far. I haven't found the right words yet but will do in the coming days.
Deepest gratitude. Paul

Kirky, you will be sorely missed. Your never say die attitude sums up the Bloods spirit. You should be proud of your good sportsmanship and attitude. Congrats on a great career!

Brett - Congratulations on a stellar career. Saddened to hear your retirement announcement as we have so much enjoyed your outstanding leadership, drive, energy & never say die attitude. Keep up the inspirational work for another few months - then enjoy your family & retirement. Thank you - watching the Swans play will never be quite the same, and I sincerely hope you stay on in some capacity. We can't afford to lose you !

Congratulations on a great career and your ability to show true leadership. You will be missed but never forgotten, good luck!

Legend. Inspiration. Spunk!
All the best Kirky! We are going to miss you terribly next year. I don't think we can thank you enough for your loyal service and that great moment in 2005! Love ya buddy! GO BLOODS!

You came, you played & you conquered. You are the leaving the club in a far better place than when you arrived. You are truly a "blood stained angel". Congratulations and enjoy your retirement

The game will be the poorer after losing a true gentleman. Good luck to you, Hayley and the kids in any future endeavours.

I am one of "the BLOODS" you referred to on the Premiership dais in 2005. You leave the game as a real-life legend up there with Skilts, Kell and Pratt. Well done, Kirky!!

Captain Kirk, it's heartbreaking news but understandable. I have some great memories of your outstanding efforts that lifted the team to achieve a premiership, sustained success and respect. I look for your legacy living in the new generation of blood brothers. Congratulations on a wonderful career. Wishing you much success and enjoyment in your post playing days.

Thank you for all you have done for our club. You remind me of Bob Skilton he had the club at heart too. Best wishes from Anne - a proud club member in the south melb days and now keeping the red and white dream alive in the Alice. I know you will keep inspiring new bloods. Thank you Brett Kirk- always the captain.

Be proud mate....you gave your all,captained a premiership and lifted your team mates week after week by example.A true blood.Good luck in the future for you and your family.

Captain Kirk the enterprise will be lost without you. But on a serious note you will be hard to replace not many players wear there heart on there sleeve like you have over your journey you have been an inspiration to this club that I love and I will be sad to see you go. I know that you will be successful in whatever your future holds and you have my deepest thanks for what you have done. All the best to you and your family and good luck.
P.S Do you think you might have one more premiership in you it would be a nice send off.

The Swans have always been about heart - supporters will be feeling this in their hearts too. Always a 'blood' the 31 guernsey will be remembered for toughness, fairness and Kirky... good luck mate
Teague Tasker Families

Kirky, the heart and soul of the Bloods. The spirit of Brett Kirk will remain with the Swans forever.

You will always be on the ground.
Always in the think of it.
Not many people can make the game go on forever.
Thank you with the most profound sincerity.

Kirky, a great player but more than that a top bloke! The type of guy everyone loves to have around any club... You will be missed greatly by you Blood Brothers in Melbourne. If we ever bump into you in Melbourne the beer is on us.

Kirky you are the true spirit of the bloods and it shows in the way you inspire your blood brothers your legacy will be forever in the Swans heart and souls.Cheer Cheer the Red and White

You will be missed Kirky. True member of the bloods and a classy player respected by fans, players and the league in general. Give it your all this season captain Kirk

Good job Captain Kirk. You've been a great player for the Swans and have provided awesome leadership to the team. I hate to see you go but no one will ever forget your work in the swans and your legacy will be passed on forever.
Good luck for the future!!!!!

BRETT ALL THE VERY BEST IN YOUR RETIREMENT ,YOU ARE A TRUE CHAMPION AND LEADER ON AND OFF THE FIELD SWANS FOR EVER.

There's only one thing left to do now. That is sing the song on the last day in September, 2010.
For you, the boys must surely -
"BOLDLY GO WHERE FEW SWANS HAVE GONE BEFORE"
Do it for one of the greats BLOODS.

Kirky, you have been sensational -- knocked back by the Swans, but never gave in, and became the heart and soul of the club. As a Swans supporter with Buddhist-leaning beliefs, I have followed you every step of the way. You are a legend of the club, on and off the field, a legend of the AFL, and a legend as a human being as well. Thank you for being you!

Kirky, you are nothing short of an inspiration. For all that you have given the club, fans and the great game i thank you. You will be more than missed you are truly a legend.

I remember being told a story years ago about how you and Daniel McPherson were called into the Coach and told that you were both fringe players and not key to the Swans future plans. At that time Frosty (a Riverina/Southern NSW lad like you) had had a reasonable career playing over a hundred games including the 96 Grand Final. You at that time had been on the rookie list for a couple of years after being drafted at an older age. Many others in that situation over the years had decided that they had given it a fair crack and gave up on their AFL dream. Frosty succumbed soon after, retired and went off to play football at a lower level (probably for more financial reward than holding on in the AFL). Nobody would have blamed you for doing the same. But like most things about your career, you did things in your own unique way.
To look back now after your stellar career it is hard to imagine that the game of AFL and the Swans came that close to losing you.
You are the example I give as the epitome of what a footballer should be:
- hard & tough doesn't mean dirty cheap shots and taking others out. It does mean keeping your eyes on the ball and enduring feirce contact whilst staying within the rules.
- feircely competitive doesn't mean niggly, arogant and egotistical. You were always polite and respectful, to opposition players, umpires and fans.
- a legend player doesn't mean extraordinaly talented. It does mean hard work, tenacity and perseverance.
You are one of the few AFL players that I have never heard anyone (even opposition fans) say a bad word about. That is an incredible achievement in the passionate and tribal world of AFL fans.
I hope more footballers in the future approach the game with the same passion, ethics, politeness and respect.
Thank you.

To Brett Kirk(at the bottom of the ruck)SCG.You are now and always will be a "Bloods" Legend.Thank you for showing the world how to play sport with dignity,courage,and respect for your opponent.We wish you and your family helth,happiness,and love.You've got no idea how much we will miss you.Thank you,Thank you,Thank you,Thank you.From Peter,Sharon,Jayden,and Damon Rowett.Wallsend. P.S. Give us a wave,front-row Bay 3, 21st Aug.after we've beaten the Dogs!

Brett all my family ,wife my Son and his three daughters are loyal Swan supporters .Your courage, determination.and will to win have given us great Joy .Good luck in the future

thanks for the memory's Kirky your an inspiration mate we have love watching over the 10 years hope the boys can make this 1 a special 1 for you all the best for the future mate best wishers Mick,Sue and Rory

Thanks for the wonderful memories, Captain Kirk. One of mine is during the grand final the Swans won I saw you launch yourself sideways at the ball and take a terrific mark, like a slips catch. Leo took THAT MARK not long after yours so he received all the accolades.
A true bloods LEGEND.
From your number one supporter, Winsome McPherson

I'll miss you kirky - you're a fantastic role model and I'm sure whatever you do with the rest of your career will be just as wonderful as your on field performance :)
Love Em

Kirky,
Thank you for playing the game with spirit, respect and passion. You are a true champion of the Swans and an absolute gentleman! So pleased you were part of the Premiership side in 2005. All the Best to you and your beautiful family. We will miss you, but just feel so blessed that we shared in your journey at the Mighty Red and White, love Tania and Morag xo

The measure of a really great person is how your respected by your peers i have never heard a bad word spoken buy anyone in the AFL you and Stu Maxfield are real BLOOD brothers Thank-you for bringing home a premiership to the swans. You will be truely missed enjoy your life

Hearing of your retirement put a dampener on my day but your courage,commitment and the way you played will never be forgotten.Enjoy the next phase of your life,you deserve it.

Kirky, you truly defined the meaning of captain courageous, you will be sorely missed and we will probably never see anyone as tough as you. You led us to a premiership, and for that, you deserve to be a Hall of Famer of the club, but also for being as one banner at the '05' Grand Final suggests 'The toughest man alive'. Greatest tackler and the best role model for young players. Let's hope we can win another Flag for you.You're a Legend Kirky! Go Bloods

Dear Kirky,
Thanks for being a great player /ambassador of the Swans. My dad and I are both Bloods through and through, and the 2005 GF and Premiership was truly a special day. Your leadership and courage has firmly placed you as a true legend of the club.

Kirky, you truly defined the meaning of captain corageous, you will be sorely missed and we will probably never see anyone as tough as you. You led us to a premiership, and for that, you deserve to be a Hall of Famer of the club, but also for being as one banner at the '05' Grand Final suggests 'The toughest man alive'. Greatest tackler and the best role model for young players. Let's hope we can win another Flag for you.You're a Legend Kirky! Go Bloods

Kirky,you did us all proud in the field. It is a privilege to see you play.
Wish you great things in the future.
Nevio
Old South Melb. supporter. Go the Bloods!!!

Thanks for your 12 fantastic years. Please say that you will stay associated with the Club. Your guts, determination and inspiration must not be completely lost to this Club.

Sorry to see you go but you have to follow your heart. It's been great to watch you play, Good luck in whatever you do.

Kirky,
you're an inspiration to my mates and I playing in the juniour league and you're a perfect role model. We would not have won the 2005 Grand Final without you. We will miss you. Cheer, cheer the red and the white!

We will miss you terribly Captain Kirk! You have been an inspiration to all! Love ya Kirky!

Kirky your prescence, inspiration and leadership will be missed by the bloods. You are a much respected person who has instilled great values at the football club. All the best in the next chapter of your life.

Dear Cap'n Kirk
You are an inspiration not only to the club and players, but to all that have followed your career.
Your dedication, ability and hard working commitment have made you a the perfect sportsman.
I accept that your time may have come to retire, but I do so with sorrow.
May God bless you and your family.
Allan Edmondson-Stott Member 15568

Thank you for all you done in the red and white for over the past decade, your relentless approach and fierceness at the ball is surely to be missed

Best wishes to you and your family for the next phase of your life. I hope it still includes the swans in some way. Thank you for the great football you have provided and for being a huge part of the swans premier ship in 2005. You will be remembered as one of the legends of the game

Brett Kirk - a legend and an inspiration. The best captain in the AFL by a country mile and the best leader I have seen. I'll miss seeing you dive into packs and feed the ball out to your runners with sure hands, tackle dangerous opposition players like Simon Black into the ground time after time and lift the team with your words and actions.
Your model of consistency, determination and courage has inspired myself and many others
Thanks for the memories. Your legacy will live on Captain Blood!

Captain Kirk, the one who always digs deap! Inspirational leader and player...Heart and soul of the club!
The last game is going to be very sad!

Go Kirky!
You're the best thats ever been mate... You are the bloods premiership.
Your influence over the next few years will be our next. I know your influence will be felt at the club for decades.

Skilton,Kelly,Kirk
That says it all,players that gave everything from there heart and soul, that never left anything on the field but left great memories for all to remember them.
I have nothing but respect and admiration for what you have done Brett a true champion.

When I was a kid it was daggy to support South Melbourne, as a teenager it was embarrassing, but now as a mother I'm I'm proud to teach my boys about the spirit of THE BLOODS and that is THANKS to BRETT KIRK.

You are a fine player Captain Kirk, always in there giving it your all! You'll be sorely missed out on the ground next year. I wish you and your family much happiness for this next phase.
You are a great champion of the game and best hair in the league :)

BEST. That is all i can say Kirky. Your are number 1 and nobody could be better. You are the heart and soul of Sydney Swans. Such a good tackler. Your are my hero and your achievements will be forget.

The 14th Dalai Lama said that "Sometimes, one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent".
Kirky, you've doth both mate - a true legend of the club. All the very best for the future. You will be missed!

Dear Captain Kirk,
Maybe I am going to write a message every day to tell you how much you will be missed at the bloods. I wrote yesterday and now today and then tomorrow and the next day and the next day and the next day until I they wont let me write anymore and you realise how much I will miss you. I wore your badge today at worked despite the laughter of my colleagues, I wanted people to know you will be missed and the swannies wont be the same without you. Cheer Cheer Ali
See you tomorrow.

Kirky, as a long time Sydney Swans member, you have done us proud both on and off the field. You have been an inspiration to many. I especially liked seeing the recent Anzac special about your grandfather. It said it all for me. Brett Kirk you are a top bloke first and foremost and a courageous and fair footballer. You'll be missed by ALL Swannie supporters. I wish you the very best in your future endeavours.

I stood in the outer week in, week out, watching the great Bobby Skilton lead South Melbourne through the lean years. I watched from afar as Paul Kelly led the Sydney Swans with mixed results, and I went crazy when Brett led the Bloods to a great Grand Final victory. All great leaders, all skilled in their own ways. Good luck to a man who has always followed a path less-travelled, and a true inspiration.

Thank you Brett for giving your all to the Swans. Special thanks for your comment on the dais when you received your Premiership medal "this is for the Bloods". I wish you and your family all the best for the future.

Kirky,
Wow what can i say really no words can express how me and my family feel. You are 'THE BLOODS" and you are going to be sadly missed. I have always enjoyed watching you play, congratulations on what you have achieved at Sydney and i wish you all the best for the future.
Thank you captain
Lauren Clarke and family

Kirky, without you;
-we would not have won a flag,
-your team mates would not be a great as they are,
-we would all be lesser people,
we will miss you terribly,
you are an inspiration and will always be our hero.
Best wishes to you and your family

Congratulations Brett Kirk on your magnificent career,you are a true Blood Stained Angel Premiership Champion,giving all you had to give to this great club.Your name will forever sit with the icons who achieved the ultimate success on the field for the Red and Whites.With men like Peter Burns,Vic Belcher,Herbie Matthews Snr and Laurie Nash........You are a Great.May God bless you and your family.

There once was a player called Kirk,
for the swans he did plenty of work.
No contest too tough,
no tackle too rough-
he was tireless and never would shirk.
good luck and many thanks.

this is like open heart surgery with you leaving the heart of the sydney swans is leaving but not before he worked toiled and never gave up on earning the respect he has today a man of guts class and compassion a man im so glad to have been able to enjoy as a footballer and just to watch you believe in who you are im not a footballer and never will be but if i was i would want to be brett kirk i thank you for everything you gave us all and the next road you travell will be as rewarding as the one you have allowed us to travel with you thank you

Thanks Brett,
Words are not enough to indicate the legacy that you have left the club in all facets of life. You are a true Warrior on the field, repected by your peers off the field and have brought so much joy to all supporters of football, not just the red and white. It says it all when someone as respected as Hirdy reckons your a top bloke and a Captain like Harley had you as his role model. You leave me with so many memories but possibly the one that sticks in my mind to illustrate the warrior you were was when you marked the ball in last minutes of the Grand Final cramping up at the time. A true warrior! Also the steel in your eyes when addressing your team mates shows the desire that you had for our club. Congratulations on a carreer to be proud of.

Congratulations Kirky on a fantastic career,the passion and spirit that you play with will be so sadly missed.You are our No1 all time favourite Swannie. All the best for the future.Annette & Peter

Dear Brett,
You have been a real inspiration as captain. Not since paul kelly retired have i seen a more courageous and motivating captain. You lead by example and your never say die attitude is so amazing and will be sorely missed.

You are the heart and soul of the swannies and bought back the bloods to the sydney swans.
Have a wonderful retirement Brett and hope to see you staying involved at some level with the youngsters at the club. You truly are one of the Greats!!! Thankyou for the memories...

I have been a proud follower/supporter of this Club for over 50 years and I have never meet anyone who has had a bigger impact on the Club. You are an insperation to all those young kids trying to break into the big time with your never say die attitude, but most importantly your influence in making the Swans the great Club it is today, cannot be underestimated. You are credit to yourself and your family, who I am sure are very proud of you. You have created a very strong ethos within our Club, one that will hold us in good steed for many years to come. Thank you, and I sincerely hope you stay on in some capacity. We can't afford to lose you.

Kirky,
mate this came as a shock, but now I've had time to reflect, I see it just as much a time to celebrate. A football career cannot last forever, and the time has come, and you've chosen the right time. Your physical hardness in the tight contests is only matched by the mental toughness. You'll be sorely missed. A sincere Thanks.

I saw my first match in 1946 & since then have thought I would never see the equal of Bob Skilton & Paul Kelly as captains but you are up there with the best. Good luck & thanks for the respect you have helped to bring to our great club.

Kirky, as a fan base we could not have asked more of you both on and off the field. You've done far more for this club than required. And for this you have our unlimited gratitude and respect. Best of luck for the future, mate.

Brett, I am a old South Melbourne supporter,I cannot tell you the joy I got from winning that 2005 premiership.

Brett you have been such a inspiration to your team mates, I cannot put into words how sad it will be to see you retire, I thought seeing Bob Skilton play his last game then Paul Kelly do the same was bad enough, but I think seeing you leave the swanee's is something I cannot put into words. Best of luck Brett, hoping one day you might come back to coach us.

The amount of times we have all seen you hand the ball back to the umprire for a ball-up has just been incredible. The style of footy you play Kirky will always be paramount to any teams success and the tackles you layed were like bear traps. Hope to see you in the coaches box soon!

Captain Kirk
The Swans won't be the same team without your fantastic leadership and your great determination to play well yourself and also ensure everyone else does too. We'll miss your smiling face and your famous words "do it for the bloods" I hope you have a great last season and stay on at the swans in some capacity.
I've loved every minute of it
Elaine

Thank you Kirky for being an inspiration to all who have seen you play. Your dedication & commitment to the club has been second to none. Wishing you and your family a wonderful safe future with much love, luck and happiness.

Hello Brett,
You are and have been an inspiration to everyone, both on & off the field. Thank you for leading by example and for giving us so many hours of pleasure. You are a true champion, who has represented and has helped to create the true spirit of "The Bloods". THANK YOU for being the wonderful person you are. Our best wishes to you and your family for the future.We will miss you.

Thank you Kirky! You are my number one and everyone will miss you very much. All the best for the future.
Max Baldwin

Captain Kirk, There is no better with heart and pure guts. Hope you will still be part of the Bloods for our future players. But what you had can not be taught..THANKYOU!!! Legend of the game.

Brett, Thank you for your endless entusiasm, dedication, hard work, blood, sweat and tears. The labels of "great" and "champion" are bandied about too frequently, but you are one individual who truly deserves them. You have shown it by overcoming obstacles put in your way, and what is more you became a great role model to others. Your enduring qualities of respect, hard work, truth and perserverance that you have imparted to your teammates, the Sydney Swans/SM Football club, teenagers and the greater community will be your lasting legacy. Congratulations on your stellar career, if only there were more Brett Kirk's running around the world would be a better place. You are a true champion and great of the game!
From a long standing fan from out west!

Kirky, congratulations on a fantastic career at the swans. The way you have gone about your footy and led the team will never be forgotten. You have made me very, very proud to be a swans member. One of the best moments of my life was during the victory lap after the mighty 2005 grand final win when you grabbed me by my shoulders and yelled "how good is that!!!' Good luck with whatever the future brings and please stay involved with the club. Thanks mate. Jason Sapsed

Kirky, so devastated that you are 'hanging up your boots' but even you couldnt go on forever. I have never known a player to evoke so much 'man love' amongst the male supporters and as for us girls, well you we think you are the best! A wonderful clubman, a courageous player in the spirit of the Blood Stained Angels, awesome husband, father and all round good guy - you even care about the environment - you have the lot! Thanks Kirky, I will miss you but I am sure we can find room in the coaches box for you in the near future. Cheers Tanya x

I have always enjoyed your game, you were always at the bottom of the pack.I wish you the best in your retirement. I named my Jack Russell after you,he is like you in to everything. Best of luck.
Norma

Thanks for the 'wind in our hair' as you've taken us along for the ride! And what a ride!
We've loved your generosity and clarity of spirit, not to mention your footy!
We wish you and your family all that you hope for.

A incredible legend you are up with the greats of the Swans from Bobby Pratt, Ron Clegg, Billy Williams, Peter Bedford, Bobby Skilton and all other champions that have played in the red and white jumper. All the best for the future to you and the wife and children and continue to hang around the swans to assist the up and coming players.Go the swannies.

Skilton,Kelly,Kirk
That says it all,players that gave everything from there heart and soul, that never left anything on the field but left great memories for all to remember them.
I have nothing but respect and admiration for what you have done Brett a true champion.

You have been my favourite player for years now.It will not be the same watching the Swans without you.Who is going to be out there now inspiring them and urging them to dig deep for that something extra as you always seemed to be able to do.My previous heros were Bobby Skilton and Paul Kelly. You 3 came from the same mould I'm sure. You have been an ornament to the game respected by everyone regardless of which team they supported.Congratulations on a wonderful career.
All the best for happy, healthy and exciting life with your family. They will now be the lucky ones having you all to themselves.

Brett - Congratulations on a stellar career.We have so much enjoyed your outstanding leadership & never say die attitude.It was your drive & energy which took us to those two most memorable grand finals.Keep up the inspirational work for another few months - then enjoy your family & retirement
Like Bobby Skilton & Paul Kelly you are truly a legend in your own time

To Kirky, i will miss you and i will never forget that you play well in the Sydney Swans and you have the best Number ever in the team and hope you have a great year and enjoy the rest of the footy. You are the best swans captain in the swans and you will be missed in the swans.
Hope you enjoy the rest of the season in the AFL and go well and cheer cheer the red and the white.
from Teneisha
GO KIRKY your number is the best ever xxx ooo I will miss you

Brett from the bottom of MY heart may I say a big thank you for all your hard work,thoughtfulness and wonderful insight towards our Mighty Bloods (Cheer Squad - Melb)

You are the heart & soul of our great club. You will be remembered as the uncompromising warrior you are. Thanks for the memories and for leading the Swans to the top in 2010.

Kirky, When our club talks of our greatest players ever, and drops names like Skilton, Round, Lockett, Kelly and O'Loughlin, yours will surely be amongst them. In fact, in my 25 years of following the Swans I don't think I can remember a player who's instilled a 'Bloods' culture as strong as the one you created and embodied. It's a sad week for our football club to hear of your leaving the team, but surely there's a spot available for someone like you on our coaching staff with John next year.
You'll be sorely missed, but thanks for all the great memories! Best O'luck Mate.

Brett .It is not going to be the same.Your courage and inspiration epitomised "The Bloods".With Bobby Skilton and Paul Kelly you have left the swans a much better club for your presence .I hope that life after foorball rewards you and your family as you have rewarded me and every Swans fan .Good Luck and thank you .
Neil Mahony

Blessings to you and your family. Much courage and strength for eternity. Thanks for your heart and soul at the Bloods.

I'm still not over not being able to see Paul Kelly and Stuart Maxfield run out on the field! As of next year, I will miss your leadership and determination out there too. Best of luck Kirky with whatever path you find after footy. Keep us up to date with your adventures and take care.

Thanks Kirky for a great time.I have enjoyed watching you play.
You will be missed by all.May you enjoy the rest of your life with the same enjoyment you gave us.

Brett thanks for all the hard games a true champion,i know footy is a big part of your life,but nothing is more important than family,enjoy your time with them

Your dedication to the game and to fair play will be with the Swans, their supporters and the game of AFL forever

Brett, you are an inspiration to your team mates & to aspiring Swans
You have played your guts out week in week out. Only 2 past players come to mind, who equalled your tenacity and will to win "Bob Skilton and Paul Kelly" No better praise than to put you in their class
All the best for the future and a huge THANKYOU for your wonderful contribution. Please stay involved with the Swans

Kirky,
Thanks for everything you have done for the mighty Swannies! You have been one of the most inspirtaional players that I have ever seen and I will never forget you getting up from that massive hit in the 2003 Qualifying Final against Port and getting the Swans over the line. I hope you will continue to stay involved in the Club and I wish you and your family all the best for the future.

It's been a pleasure watching your career. I am so thrilled to have been in the crowd in 2005 to watch your greatest sporting triumph as a part of a team with a iron will and an inspiring bond. Best of luck reorgansing your life and spending more time with your family, seeing where the universe takes you.

Hi Brett, we have watched you from the time that you starting playing reserve grade footy with the swans. The first time we actually saw you play senior football, we were astounded when looking at the record that you were a lot older than we thought. Well done with the time that you have had with the swans, you have been inspirational not only to the club but to the people that have watched you evolve into an extremely good player and mentor.
You will be greatly missed, but I hope that you do really well for the rest of the year. Lots of luck for the future.
P.S. my husband hopes that you stay on as midfield coach, so you can keep on inspiring.
Regards,
Merrilyn & John Corben

Thank-you Brett Kirk for your wonderful contribution to the swans, the bloods. Your endevour, courage, hard work and integrity is an inspiration to all young Australians, not just in football. Play hard but fair, with guts and heart - the Brett Kirk way. Congratulations.

Congratulations Brett on a fine and distinguished career and for making the very most of your opportunities. Your courage and determination are second to none. I have never heard anyone say a bad word about "Skipper" Kirk. I'm sure we will continue to hear alot more about you as the years roll on. Good luck champ.

Legend.....get the wind in the hair!

The Red and White number 31 will always be synonomous with great courage and determination coupled with pride in a job well done. Kirky will always be remembered as one of our greatest retired 'Bloods'.

Congratulations Brett on a fine and distinguished career and for making the very most of your opportunities. Your courage and determination are second to none. I have never heard anyone say a bad word about "Skipper" Kirk. I'm sure we will continue to hear a lot more about you as the years roll on. Good luck champ.

Thank you for the years of enjoyment you have given all football fans, you will be truly remembered as a great player. Players come and go but your retirement will be a sad day. All the very best for the future to you and your lovely family.

Brett Kirk - to think we nearly didn't have you, except for your determination to be a Swan eventually won the club over! As a little girl with my sisters and parents we watched Bobby Skilton, Peter Bedford - gentlemen of the game. Then we had Paul Kelly and Adam Goodes but Brett Kirk came along with a calmness and dignity, that rose above everyone else in the AFL. We as supporters have been priveldged to take you away from your family since your first days at the club and my thanks especially goes to them. The Swans are changing the guard but the heart will never give in as you made it bigger than big. Thank you Brett Kirk and I wish only happiness and joy for you and your family.

Brett,
Thanks for the way you played the game and lead the club. A truly inspirational career and I wish you well in your future. The world needs more people like you.

Capt Kirk,
To a bloke that has lead the way through sheer determination, effort & will power, you are a champion buddy, thanks for the premiership and the good memories you deserve it all

Kirky,
You have been an inspiration to watch. Your love for the game and loyalty for your mates shines through each week. Few have shown your levels of courage & commitment. Best of luck for the future.

Paul Kelly, Stewart Maxfield, BRETT KIRK - Can it get any better? THANKS!!!

Kirky, you are a true gentleman and a role model, not just for other AFL players, but for the community at large. I hope retirement brings you and your family everything that you hope for.

What can you say other that you've done yourself, the club and the game proud. It will be tough stepping away from it and I hope you'll be just as successful in your next career. Thank you for all the pleasure you've given all the Swans supporters.

Brett, having watched you play since your first game you have not only been an inspiration to other players but also Swans supporters. No matter where we stood on the ladder you would always be in there trying. I hope your next job will be in a role where you can inspire young people to believe they can also achieve their dreams. All the very best for the future.

Brett, I have been a Swans supporter all my life, going back to the 1950s when champions like Ron Clegg, Jim Taylor and Bill Gunn (how on earth was he not picked in our team of the century?)were playing for South Melbourne.
The great Bob Skilton was my boyhood idol. And in the era when the team moved to Sydney there were so many great players to inspire - imports like Greg Williams, Gerard Healey, Tony Lockett - not to mention Paul Roos - plus champions who have played all their footy with us like Michael O'Loughlin, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton and Leo Barry.But I can honestly say that no player has made me prouder to be a Swans supporter than you - both in the way you played your football on the field and the role you played in helping to create a truly great club culture off the field.
Thank you.

Thanks for 31 thousand great memories. Looking forward to Indhi in the 2012 draft. Go Bloods.

Captain Kirk
You've been an inspiration: a great player, a great leader, a good sport and a nice bloke. You are the sort of player that does the AFL, and the Sydney Swans, proud. All the best for the future to you and your family.

Kirky
You truly epitomise the spirit of the bloods. Will be very sad to see you go. Hope you keep cheering on the red and the white !!

My husband I have been involved with the Swans since there formation in Sydney many years ago. Together with Paul Kelly, Kirky has been an all time favorite of ours and we are devestated to see him go.
Good luck Captain Kirk, may your coming years be everything you could wish for

Om Mani Padme Hum.

Well done Brett and thank you for your supreme leadership, sportsmanship and skills that have helped Sydney threw out there footy career, you will be sadly missed. I thought you might have done a roo's and coached them further down the track. Enjoy your retirement. Huge Sydney fans from Perth Wa

Congratulations on an absolutely wonderful career with the Swannies. We have loved watching the courage and determination you have shown. The Club is all the better for having such a player who has shown such a high standard of leadership and fair play. We will miss you terribly, however, wish you and your wonderful family all that is good for your future endeavours.

Just one word describes Kirky - LEGEND......TA

Brett has been an outstanding player for the Swans. Good Luck !!

No, you can't retire!, you are the reason I love the Swans. I wasn't into AFL until I saw you play & I decided to barrack for the Swans & have done so for 10 years. You're awesome & the best looking man in the AFL! Good luck to you & enjoy a fabulous life ahead of you - you will be greatly missed @:-(

Kirky you are an inspiration to all of us who have witnessed your incredible passion for the game of footy.You will be greatly missed. All the very best in the future to you and your family.

Thanks so much for a wonderful career, Kirky. You truly are a legend of our great club and you will be missed.
The club and game will be all the more poorer when you exit our game.
Cheers

Kirky,
You've been a great leader of this club.I'll always remember you giving Nick Davis a rev up after David Johnson kicked a goal against him in the 2005 final against Geelong.That won the game.

Kirky i cant believe your leaving you will be missed your courage and toughness is what gave us our premiership in 2005.
I hope you can still find some time to teach our younger boy's on what the Sydney swans team ethic is about.
CHEER THE RED AND THE WHITE!
take it easy brett

I have been a swans fan since 1985 & my sister & I always thought of you as Captain Courageous, because you were always willing to get in & fight for the ball & nearly always when the pack got up off the ground you were the one on the bottom.You have been a true inspiration to all the young players who have joined this wonderful club of ours.I have travelled from Tweed Heads to the games for the last few years & wouldn't have missed the ride for anything. The pride & emotion myself, sister & daughter felt when we were at the 2005 grand final to see you win will stay with me for the rest of my life. You truly are our Captain Courageous & will be sorely missed. We wish you & your wife & family all the best for the future & hope you will stay around the club in some role. Thanks for the memories.

you are one of the most courageous, respectable and inspirational players i have had the privilege to watch. your legacy both on and off the field will be remembered forever.

Thank you very much Brett Kirk,
For every single one of the sterling games you've played for the swans. For your on and off field leadership. For being such a good bloke that the entire club aspires to be just a little bit more like Brett Kirk.
Thanks for the incalculable effect that you've had in transforming the culture of the Sydney Swans, to becoming a premiership club.
And thanks most of all for showing that what you get out of life is truly a reflection of what you put inn.
I hope that the future brings you everything you deserve.
You're my hero.
-Morgan

kirky, you are a gun first of all. I never thought i would see the the same sort of leader as Paul Kelly but thankfully we swans fans had the fortune to see that again with you. you will be sorely missed, thank you for your inspiring football and heroics. over and out, beam me up scotty.

Captain Kirk,
You have been an inspiration to all Sydney supporters (including us here in the West) and I wish you and your family all the best for your life after football. I thank you, not only for leading the Swans to their first premiership in 72 years (the day before my 21st birthday no less), but also for your fantastic work ethic and never say die attitude.
The Swans will not be the same without you, you will be sorely missed.
Peer Hanich (from WA)

I've dreaded this day. Captain my captain, heart beat of this great team, fearless leader, blood of the Bloods: thank you for who you are, for how you've played for what you've achieved and how you've led the Sydney Swans. Like Paul Kelly you can't be replaced. Congratulations and very best wishes for your future. You deserve the best.

thanks kirk for all your contributions to this proud club.You have been one of the greatest players who have worn the blood colours.......this is a sad day but the legacy that you will leave behind can never be erased
My son who is 12 years old has seen you as his idol and is upset that you are leaving
good luck for your future

You are and have proved to be a true champion of the Club and the ALF
I wish you and your family all the best in the future and I know that you will successed in what ever your new career path takes on
You will be missed greatly by the Club players and Supporters alike
Thanks for the great memories

thanks Kirky,you are a true legend and champion.
I remember when you first started playing for the swans,you had less talent than many others but the heart of Phar lap.
I am and allways will be a very proud sydney swans supporter and the guts and determination that you have shown to us over the years will never be forgotten.
good onya mate
richie and sons

Thanks for everything Kirky. You have been - and still are - an inspiration to all the team and all fans. You deserve a medal for all the time and effort you have put into our side. You won't be forgotten. Good luck with whatever the future holds for you. Go Bloods!

Dear Kirky,
I have been going to the Swannies since I moved to Sydney from Perth in 1993 at age five. My family joined in 1996 and have been members ever since. Of all the players I have come to love, respect and admire over the past 15 years, you have been my favourite. Upon hearing about your retirement I was shattered. Just speaking to a mate at work I said that I have never been so upset at hearing about a sportsman's retirement (not just the AFL). your efforts throughout your entire career and most memorably in 2005 will stay with me forever. Thank you for playing such a pivotal role in building the ethos and aura that is the current Sydney Swans Football Club. To create such an atmosphere in a Sydney sporting franchise (let alone an AFL club in Sydney) is an amazing effort. You and Roosy will be sorely missed. Good luck for the rest of the season and everything else the future holds for you and your family. Now just bring home the flag for us in twenty ten!! Thanks Kirky.
And GO YOU BLOODS!!

Your an inspiration Brett. You have and always will be the heart of this great club and I feel nothing but pride supporting a team who bleeds for each other and their jumper. As sad as it is to say farewell, i wish you nothing but success in your life after football. We will never forget what you have achieved!

The thing that will stand out most in my mind is brett kirk running the entire perimeter of the scg after every win. im in the o'reilly stand and not once in all my years watching the games have i failed to see brett running over and clapping his hands above his head thanking us supporters for supporting him.. He has always done this with enthusiasm and a big smile on his face. i for one have always really appreciated this and have never been dissapointed once!! thanks captain

Brett, Kirky, Captain Kirk. Thanks for your wonderful courage, leadership and heart that you have always displayed while playing for the Swans. You are an inspirational person on and off the field and I truly believe the Swans are the luckiest team in the Afl to have you in their side. The culture and work ethic you have brought to the club make me so very, very proud to be a Sydney Swans supporter. You have given us so many fantastic memories and your legacy will live on forever. I wish you, Hayley and the kids every happines in the future. Thanks also to Hayley for providing a fabulous blog every week that I so enjoy reading. Will enjoy the rest of the season watching you play Kieky and will treasure every game.

Kirky, your leadership, courage, determination and strength as both a player and a person have been inspirational. We wish you well for the remainder of the season and for the next part of your journey, whatever that may be. Good luck and God bless. You will be sorely missed.

Kirk!
Thank you for bringing such a strong culture to the Swans and for letting us enjoy your journey. My mate Billy and I usually comment while watching a swans game, "Look at Kirk! Handing out business cards from the bottom of the pack, in the trenches fighting for the ball". Like I sit behind a desk in an office, your desk is at the bottom of the pack! You have inspired me (any many others) with your determination, guts and leadership. Your presence on the front-line at Sydney will be missed by many I'm sure. Given the lack of the above mentioned qualities in our political/governmental circles, I suggest that we need a "pure spirit" like yourself to guide and lead the people in what I anticipate will be tough times globally.

Dear Captain Kirk, you have given us so much enjoyment watching you with the Swannies, but that doesn't compare to how you've inspired us as a person in the way you approach your life as a whole. Thanks for bringing everything to your endeavours and for inspiring us to do the same. Just know that there are many people wishing you all the best for the future with your beautiful family: we know it will be great.
All the best, Kate and Pat.

The thing that will stand out most in my mind is brett kirk running the entire perimeter of the scg after every win. im in the o'reilly stand and not once in all my years watching the games have i failed to see brett running over and clapping his hands above his head thanking us supporters for supporting him.. He has always done this with enthusiasm and a big smile on his face. i for one have always really appreciated this and have never been dissapointed once!! thanks captain

Dear Kirky, we will miss your leadership and sheer guts.You are a great footballer and good luck for the remaining games.We will be cheering even louder.

Dear Kirky
Thanks so much for your amazing place in the Sydney Swans. You are one of the most inspirational players and well all look up to you. Thanks for your fearless attitude and your amazing contribution to the club. You are an amazing captain. We will miss you and all the best for the future.

You have been a great champion for the club and the AFL I hope you go out in style as you deserve too.Thanks for the great memories.

Captain Kirk, this is a sad day for me and my family, but we knew it had to happen one day.
Your leadership qualities will be sorely missed,your work ethic on the field every time you play inspires the young ones.
My two grandchildren when asked which badge they would like both said, Kirky.
The family wish you and your family all the best in whatever you decide to do in the future,( we are hoping it's to coach the swans) but whatever you do I know you will be a success.
heer Cheer Kirky, Evelyn & Alex

Thanks Brett,
You have been a role model both on and off the field. Your integrity and passion as a player and your excellent stamina have stamped you as one of the truly great Swans players. Enjoy the rest of your season and all the very best for your retirement.

Hey Kirky,
My wife and her friend still think you have the best haircut in the league.
Good luck for the rest of the year and I hope you can remain involved with the club in some capacity.
Your blood is worth bottling.
Mark

Dear Kirky
My husband and I are foundation members of the Sydney Swans and as such have seen many players come and go. Amongst all those players you stand out as a very special player but more importantly a very special person who will leave an indelible mark at the Swans. You have never been anything but gracious when we have approached you for photos etc at the various functions over the years and you will always hold a very unique position at the Swans.
All the best for you and your family
Sandy

Dear Kirk!
Thanks for giving us so much great footy to watch! You are without a doubt one of the toughest and most inspiring players ever to pull on the swans jumper... We will miss you... Alot!
From the boys of Glen St

Another comment from me to say thank you for giving everyone enjoyment in every game you played.
Swans are losing a real sports gentleman.
Good luck

Kirky,
You have been a great leader and a true clubman. You have inspired not only your teammates, but also all the supporters of the Swans and many within the rest of the AFL. Your legacy at the club will remain long into the future. The Bloods will live forever.
Thanks for all the memories
Mike

A true legend of the Swans and the Game.
Good luck Kirky, We will miss you.

In my 48 years of being a Swans Supporter I have had many reasons to be proud - none moreso than in 2005. But such success has not been a common occurrence. More often pride has been in the skills and courage of our many champions - from Skilton and Bedford to Kelly, Lockett, O'Loughlin and Goodes. But to me none have demonstrated or given more than Brett Kirk. Yours are the qualities of a true champion - perseverence, dedication, courage, teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship. Brett Kirk...a great player, great Captain and a great Man. Thank you and Good Luck

Words fail to say how much you mean to our family.It is with pride my son wares your number on his back and in his heart, you wear your heart for all to see, you show the young how to play with good sportsmanship and play for one another as well as the fans. Its players like yourself that make the Swans and the AFL what it is. Thank you.

Thank you for your leadership, skill and strong ethics. The strong and fair team culture you have engendered has made me proud to be a Swans fan and proud to bring my grandchildren to game. all the best to you and your family for the future.
Carla Cranny

Thanks for the memories, Kirky! You're the player my son aspires to be; we're all going to miss you! You have conducted yourself in a manner that not only enhanced our club, but the game of AFL itself: hard, tough and persistant; yet gentlemanly with a true sense of sportsmanship, you never resorted to the same show-pony antics of some players or let yourself get caught up in off-the field controversy. You have always carried yourself with a quiet dignity and have been a true light at our Club. Enjoy the rest of the season (now the weight's been lifted!), and most importantly, enjoy all the time with your family left to come!

Brett, you will be sorely missed! We are so grateful for everything you've given...your energy, your committment and passion for the Swans and for your team mates has been an absolute inspiration. You have been the soul that defines the wonderful culture of our club and for that we thank you. Great success to you Captain Kirk...a true champion!

Dear Kirky
You have given us many years of great football and you are a joy to watch in action. Your work effort at training and especially in games around the ruck, sets a standard that others could do well to follow. Good luck in whatever the future holds for you.

Captain Kirk,you are a true sports man and a leader by example.
It is our privilege to be part of the Swans club, with the ethos created by you, the leadership group and chairman Roos at the helm.
We believe it is important you remain involved in the club, developing the new BLOODS.
All the best, we love your wholehearted attitude.
Les Carey, Arnon Greiff, Warren Cliffe, Peter Wevels.

Captain Kirk!! Well earned rest man after a long, loyal and great career at the mighty bloods!! Enjoy the time with the family and remember your one the Swans Legends forever!!

Like Paul Kelly, you have been the heart of the footy team. I love it how you will yourself and your teammates on. You are inspirational and will be missed. You are a legend, Kirky.

Well done Capt'n Kirk always one of my favorite players, you almost won the 2005 GF on yer own with inspiration and guts, you are one of the greatest swans along with Paul Kelly and will be missed by all fans, well done on all of your achievements, maybe Coach Kirk in the future.

Captain Kirk we will miss you and your great sportsmanship,I have watched you play for many years and enjoyed every minute.I wish you well in the future whatever you do and I am sure we will see the name Kirk playing for the Swans in years to come.
Thanks You

Over my near 40 years of following THE BLOODS I have seen you not only been a true champion on the field, one who has given his all for the club; but more importantly a truely inspiring person off the field. You are someone I feel my children can look up to and endevour to be like. Congraulations Brett I know all BLOODS fans will be supporting you in this your final season as a player.Good luck, but more importantly THANK YOU!

Thank you for breaking every football sterotype. The 'Golden Age' was shaped by your integrity, bravery and spirit. You will be sorely missed but know you leave the Club forever changed. Enjoy the last season with your 'Blood Brothers' and sending lots of joy to you and your family.

Hey Kirky,
I am 19 have been a swans member for the last 12 years. It has been a privilege to watch you play for the swans. Your leadership and courage have inspired not only the players but the supporters that come through the gates each week. I speak for everyone in saying you will be sorely missed and if you would like, to stay on at the swans in some capacity either coaching, recruitment or community involvement. Good luck for the rest of the season!

Thanks Kirky!
You've been a big inspiration to me and my family. Each home game our first cheers are 'Go Kirky!'.
No 31 with his socks up and white boots, mum says 'you sure look good out there....'
Let's get em Kirky in 2010.
Good luck and don't be a stranger, let us know what you'll be doing....
cheers

As a CPL in the Australian Army I often strive to show the leadership that Brett has shown this club for years. He has been a great role model for my self and countless others and will be greatly missed. Thanks Brett.

To our Great Captain Kirk, fondly known as "Kirky",
One of my greatest and fondest memories of the 2005 Grand Final is the day after at the Albert Park oval when you were introduced on stage and you took the microphone with one hand and grabbed the Swans jumper that you were wearing in the other and said, "This is for the Bloods!" Kirky, you have been an absolute inspiration, especially to the die hard South Melbourne supporters who have been supporting the Club through thick and thin for far too many years than I care to remember. I only hope your passion and history for the Club is passed down for others to be inspired. You are one in a trillion "Kirky". Good luck for the future. Let's hope that both you and Roosy can leave this year holding the 2010 Premiership Cup!
From a very avid Bloods supporter!

Brett
Thankyou for all the blood sweat and tears that you have given over the years and if this does not fire the rest of the playing group for you and roosey nothing will .as a Captain I put you up there with the greats of the Clubs Like Skilton and Paul Kelly ,Quade , Round and will always remember your war cry UP THE BLOODS and hope the culture remains with the younger group to you and your Family have awonderful Retirement and hope you stick around the club in some capacity. BRUCE SMITH

thanks for being a great Captain for the past five years, commanding our star fleet of Swans into games. you'll be missed and you are definately one of the best in the game. All the best. :)

I have followed the Bloods since the early Fifties and along with Skilton and Kelly you have been always courageous and have made the most of your abilities.

You will be sadly missed.

Our heartfelt thanks to you for the many years of total commitment and dedication which you have given to our Club. You have been a true inspiration to everyone associated with the Swans. All the very best to you and your family both now and in the years ahead.

An inspirational leader and great role model to all! Thanks for the entertainment you have given us over the past few years!
You will be missed!!!
The Malcolm Family

Brett,
Thanks for your fantastic effort and commitment to the Swans during your playing career. Your tenacity, courage and determination have brought the Swans to where they are today.
We will miss you and your playing style greatly. I hope the universe brings you peace and happiness.
Corinne

Cheers Kirky, i dont think any club could have asked for a more determined and competitive player. The success the Swans have enjoyed over the past 8 years has been down to players like yourelf. Im from Ireland, and didnt get to see you play pre 2005, but have supporting yourself and the Swans. Best of luck with everything, and ya never know, maybe a flag in your last year!!!!

Thanks Brett - as a woman who loves AFL I always struggle to reconcile this with the macho behaviour and attitudes of some players, both on and off the field. But you've always been different, and you've shown other players, fans and most importantly young boys who look up to you a different, gentler way to be a man and a leader, and for this I applaud you. Thanks for the great memories and all the best for you and your family in life after footy.

You are a legend... The way you played the game is a role model to anyone watching. Your dedication to the Swans was outstanding and i absolutely love watching you play and when you kicked a goal i would jump off the couch and cheer. You will be missed not only by the club but anyone who loves footy. Thanks for the memories and good luck for the rest of the year and the future.
Thanks

Brett, you've been a champion, and you'll be sorely missed!

mate, thanks for all the memories, wat a captain. you are simply the best. sample of player and gentlemen. Go KIRKY!!

Inspirational says it all. Take a well earned rest Champion because you have certainly earned it.

Good luck in your retirement Brett Kirk, you REALLY deserve it.

Brett, you've been an inspiration on the field, and an example of the best a man can be off the field. Huge thanks and best wishes for the next chapter in a wonderful life.

Best Wishes Brett, on your retirement. You have been a credit to yourself both on and off the field,not only as a team player but as a mentor for the younger players.Sincere best wishes to you and your family for the future and I hope that you will not be lost to Aussie Rules and we see you around in another position Regards Marg

Brett, the day you got straight back up after Picket ironed you out in 2003 final against Port is a day I will never forget. Thanks for everything you have done for the Swans, you are the best champ.

Hi Brett
Thanks for everything,your courage, your tenacity, your leading by example, your fairness what a great place the World & football would be if it was filled with Brett Kirks.
I hope you stay in football to pass on your integrity & attitude to young footballers.
Whatever you do best wishes to you and your family.
On the light side we will never win the comp again without you "nobody to marshall the troops".

Thanks for everything Kirky, you are truly an inspirational person.
Om Mani Padme Hum. ;-)

To our great Captain Kirk
What an inspirational leader you have been to our club! You have always lead by example and you will be leaving an amazing legacy at the club.
It is hard to put into words my feelings at this time. I did shed a tear when watching your press conference. I wish you, Hayley and the children all the best for your life after football.
Enjoy your final year, as I will enjoy watching you.
Farewell my Captain Kirk.
Love and best wishes
Julie Ayling

So much more than a Cortina Kirky!....a true Blood. Thanks for the memories and thanks for the flag in 05.

Kirky - you are an absolutely amazing man!You have the most wonderful wife and family and I wish you all the very best. I am hoping you will keep working with the Swannies in coaching or whatever. THANK YOU

Kirky u are a legend u are the most courages player I now thats ever played the game.thanks for the preimship.were going to miss u.....

Kirky - you are an absolutely amazing man!You have the most wonderful wife and family and I wish you all the very best. I am hoping you will keep working with the Swannies in coaching or whatever. THANK YOU

A great bloke/player who will NEVER be forgotten ... you stand along side the great Paul Kelly, as far as I'm concerned. And thaks for delivering us all our dream .. that wonderful 2005 Premiership.
Good Luck Captain Kirk.

Hi Brett, Congratulations on an amazing contribution to our Club. As a Swans Ambassador, I am humbled by your achievements as a player, but more so as an outstanding leader, and particualry a person who listens to his conscience; that which the finest leaders do so well. Enjoy your remaining time on the paddock and savour the journey you have had. I remember you were happy just to get a game as a late pick-up from North Albury. I recall that The Kokoda Track experience, set up by Kelvin Templeton, had a profound impact on you and a core group of your Mates who won us a Flag. True leaders know when to transition to the next phase of their lives; and to make that choice without the need to be told. That makes you a special person with values that will hold you in good stead no matter what the future entails.
Kind regards to you and your family, who have no doubt been such wonderful support to you on your footy journey. Well done Mate. Go the Bloods, Roger

Brett Kirk - you are a legend of our game. It has been a great pleasure watching you play football.
Best of luck for the rest of season 2010. Namaste.

Thank you for showing us what footy and being true to oneself and the universe is all about. You are an inspiration Mr K! I particularly love that youve exemplafied that yoga is integral to the body and mind, more people need this least of all footballers... of which you know. Namaste and thank you cheers grins and love Jeremy

You have been an inspiration to a generation of young people. We love your work, Captain and would like to see you coach our beloved Bloods to another premiership.

I have followed the Swans all my life and love them dearly. The only other time I cried when a player retired was when the great number 14, Kell, hung up the boots. I can honestly say when I heard the news yesterday that I shed many tears for the imminent retirement of one of the greatest workhorses our great club has ever seen. If Paul Kelly was the heart of our club, Kirky was the great soul man. A wonderful and courageous player of which he has no peer. Congratulations on your fantastic career, Kirky. It will be a sad day for the Bloods fans when you cross the white line for the last time. I'm sure the boys will lift for you and for all the fans in the coming games. You'll be sorely missed.

There have been some seriously tough times being a supporter of this club. But Brett Kirk is a huge reason why we can all walk tall with pride now.
Thank you for the incredible effort you put into every game, and for the culture you have helped foster at the club.

Thank You Brett, for all the blood sweat and tears you shed for this club, the Blood Mythos would not exist without the greats like yourself and Paul Kelly. You will be missed on the field. Hopefully one of your little ones can continue on the great name of Kirk in AFL for the swans in the future.

To our great Captain Kirk
What an inspirational leader you have been to our club! You have always lead by example and you will be leaving an amazing legacy at the club.
It is hard to put into words my feelings at this time. I did shed a tear when watching your press conference. I wish you, Hayley and the children all the best for your life after football.
Enjoy your final year, as I will enjoy watching you.
Farewell my Captain Kirk.
Love and best wishes
Julie Ayling

Capt'n Kirk, you make me proud to be a Swans fan. You lead a team which plays hard and never gives up, yet plays within the spirit of the game. You will be missed, but I hope your spirit lives on in the club.

So much more than a Cortina Kirky!....a true Blood. Thanks for the memories and thanks for the flag in 05.

I love the fact that Roos & The Club saw such amazing potential in you. Since then you have been inspirational to your team members, your entire club I'm sure, and to so many more people who you rouse via the AFL and your on-ground performances.
I sincerely wish you all the best in your future pursuits, and will look for evidence of that Brett Kirk Magic, somewhere...

Kirky, you are a champion and will leave a lasting impression for your efforts for "The Bloods." You have inspired many with what you have achieved with your work ethic once given the opportunity.

Thanks mate for being someone we admired not only for great football but also for being a great human being.

One of the very few real gentleman in sport. You are an amazing man and an amazing player. This is a very big loss to the club. Wishing you and Hayley and your children every happiness possible. You deserve it. THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING!!!!!

Well played mate, and thankyou for your fantastic contribution both on and off the field. You will be missed, and remembered, by every Bloods supporter.

hi brett kirk hope u enjoy the rest of year the playing for sydney. your a legend kirk

There is no doubt that Brett Kirk has given his all to the Swans throughout his career, and I hope the club are smart enough to keep Brett in the fold in some way, shape or form. He is not only a gutsy and courageous footballer, but a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to your passion.

hi brett kirk hope u enjoy the rest of year the playing for sydney. your a legend kirk

We are all truly privileged to have witnessed your football career but more importantly how you have contributed in creating a great culture at the club,you are a real role model for all of us . Parallels can be drawn to the evolution of you as a player and husband/Dad, and to that of our mighty club. Your legacy will be there for generations to come. Your fight, determination and dedication to the Bloods will be sorely missed. A whole hearted thankyou and best wishes for the remainder of the season and your life going forward.I really hope you stay involved with the Swannies in some form.

I once heard a great leader say, upon the day of their retirement from a well known organisation, that they wanted to be remembered, not for what they had done while they were there..but rather for what their organisation would be like 5 years after they'd left...
We will all treasure our memories of watching your courageous play week in and week out, but mostly we will treasure the legacy you will leave this club. I am certain that even 50 years from now, people will tell stories of the legend of Captain Kirk and The Bloods and young players will dream of being like you.
Wherever your path takes you (and we sincerely hope that is a role with the Club in someway shape or form!), your light will shine.
Thanks to Hayley and your family for lending you to us for a while...we are most appreciative of their contribution.
Wishing you and the family peace, love, and joy. Now..get out there and win the rest of the season!!!!!

Brett, Thank you for your wonderful leadership and achievements, on and off the field. You are going to be greatly missed but I wish you all the very best and hope you can continue to be involved with the Club. Hope the Swannies can give you a fitting farewell with the flag at the end of the season.

Thanks for your overall example for all to follow.

Brett Kirk, you have been a wonderful player and an inspiration to your teammates. As a long-time supporter of the Bloods, I thank you for what you've done.

Great career, played in the true spirit of sport. Thank you and good wishes for your future. You will be missed.

Thank You Brett, for all the blood sweat and tears you shed for this club, the Blood Mythos would not exist without the greats like yourself and Paul Kelly. You will be missed on the field. Hopefully one of your little ones can continue on the great name of Kirk in AFL for the swans in the future.

Brett, Your retirement comes as a surpirise, but you are one of our greatest and I love watching you on the field. Always there , in the middle of all the activity. Enjoy the remainder of the season. I wish you success in the future ... Phillip

Kirky, you are the blood that flows through the veins of this club. You give your all every game, without fail. You are all heart. You will be sorely missed. All the best for the future. Cheers mate.

It's sad to see a Ford Cortina decommissioned. You made me proud to be a swans fan and were instrumental in giving the club credibility in the football world.
Respect!

Captain - thank you for all you have given to this great club. Your never say die attitude is an example to us all and teaches us that if you work hard for what you want you can make your dreams come true.

Captain Kirk has been a true inspiration to all of those that follow the game. His never say die attitude. His great spirit. His plain good manners all speak volumes. Good luck with whatever you choose to do next Kirky.

Thanks for the entertainment Kirky,a true tough and hard in and under leader who became a champion the hard way.The dictionary definition of the word "inspirational" should be amended to read "Kirk".
Best regards
Coates family

Thank you for your fantastic playing and inspirational leadership of the Swans. I will so miss seeing you dart all over the field,encouraging the boys to do their best. Every good wish for whatever you do in the future.

Kirky- you have the respect of your teammates, the AFL community and are a true legend in the eyes of all swans fans. Thank you for the passion and integrity you have committed to this club. I have been going to swans matches since i was 10 years old (I am now 33!!)- both you and Paul kelly have been the heart and soul of the swans and I don't think any others come close. THANK YOU for giving everything, everytime you wear the red and white... we will miss you.

Congratulations on a wonderful career. A big thank you for your leadership and inspiration to both players and fans alike. When you finally hang up your boots for the last time, enjoy your reitrement - it has been well earned.

Brett, you will be missed on the field. Your passion your fighting spirit and the desire to achieve. you are my favorite player so it wont be the same without you. I hope the club doesn't lose you completely and you remain involved in some way. All the best to you and your family for the future.

Brett, a true legend of the club and the game. We'll miss you. Thanks for everything you've done for the club.

Skipper, it would be impossible for you to fully appreciate, as it is for us to put into words, the full extent of your contribution to the club and impact on the lives of so many. I hope we haven't lost you from public life. Warm wishes for the future and thank you for your gifts to us.

Captain Kirk, Wow!!! what a privilege, my husband and i met you at the Swans Club for the first time it was a Redback event, that was enough. I felt like i had known you all my life, when you won the Grand final and said this is for the BLOODS!!! i was bawling like a baby, what a role model given so much and made such a difference to our children the respect and never say die attitude. We will miss you sooo!! much, but we have our memories. I know you will be making a difference to some ones life where ever you are. Be Happy Many Thanks. PB

Kirky
You are a true champion as both a player and person. Hopefully your legacy will be passed on to the younger players for the years to come. All the best to you and your family for the future.

Courage, leadership, role model, inspirational - four attributes that only make a sensational footballer, but makes a man. There are so many budding footballers that look at your road to success and it breeds hope for everyone. Your friends & family are so fortunate to have you in their lives. Long live the Captain Kirk.

You are a fantastic role model for any person as success has come to you because of your persistence and determination. May your future be happy. May you and your family enjoy the life to full.

Brett Kirk an inspiration on the field and off the field. Another chapter of the Bloods spirit is coming to a close. The Swans are better from the journey of Captain Kirk. Thanks for the Bloods brotherhood!!!! Best wishes for you and your family.

Kirky, you have given us so many great memories, so much inspiration, hope and belief. The Swannies are always a chance when you're out there leading them. I'll never forget you and your grandfather tossing the coin for the ANZAC match at ANZ stadium 5years ago and ofcourse your inspirational team talks, which aren't just for on the footy field. A true Blood. Cheers

Thanks Kirky!
I will really miss the feeling of absolute pride in seeing the way you play football for the Swans. Thank you for your fundamental contribution to making the Swans the most spirited, healthy-cultured team in the League and I hope you stay in contact with the Swans and continue your influence there because they wouldn't be the same without you.
You are a Legend!

Brett, I have so enjoyed the ride to the Grand Finals with you and the team. Went to both GF's and shared the joy and the pain. Regardless you were "Best on Ground" in the 96 GF. The roar that went around the ground when you took the one handed mark in defence-INSPIRATIONAL!! You have epitomised everything that is AFL and why we all love to watch it!! Have a great retirement with your lovely wife and family-but please hang around to offer advice to up and coming Swans!! Cheer, cheer blood brother!!

Kirky- You are a legend!
Like Paul Kelly you gave your all and triumphed over odds.
Your inspirational field leadership encouraged the battlers to strive harder-and win overall! Have a happy retirement mate, you'e earned it.

Good Luck for your life after footy Brett! Selfishly, I am so sad you are retiring as you are one of the Swan's great players and I will miss watching you each week. I wish you and your family the very best.

Brett, you're an inspiring leader both on and off the field. Congratulations on a successful career at the Swans and thank you for the loyalty and dedication you've shown the Club and us fans. Good luck with the retirement and hope to see you involved in some capacity with the Swans in the future.

Captain,
Your passion and tenacity have inspired not just your team mates, but the suporters too. Thanks!

Brett Kirk
You are such inspiration and thank you for all the hard work you put into each game.
It won't be the same without you next season, as I will seeing you play.

You have been a huge inspiration, and role model. May you and your family be peaceful and at ease with your decision and your future.Thanks Kirky

This is my 11th season as a Sydney Swans supporter and have loved watching you play as you are an inspiration to us all. Look forward to seeing you play for the rest of 2010. Good luck in all that you do. You are much loved.

Captain,
Supporters of this club owe you everything. You are the embodiment of the 'bloods' and a culture that means more to me in the end than the results we have on the field. No goodbyes yet because there's still so much more to do this year, but a sincere thank you from the people who you don’t really know, but who consider you family.

Brett,
Swannies have had some great captains over the years and each time I wonder how we will replace them...you have done Paul Kelly and Stewie Maxfield proud and it is so obvious to us on the sidelines how much you inspire your team mates...you will be missed

Congratulations Brett Kirk on a career that has defined the 'Bloods Culture' at the Sydney Swans Football Club. Your legacy will extend beyond the field as you have inspired everyone around you, not to become just a better player, but a better person too. I thank you for the enjoyment you have give me from watching you do battle every weekend, leading from front, fighting every step of the way on the road to victory. Savour every moment for the remainder of the season, knowing that all players and supporters will keep you in their hearts forever. Thank you. You will be missed.

Your approach to football, to your teammates and to life in general is a big part of what makes the Swans a special outfit. You will be remembered as one of the true greats of the game. Thanks for 2005 and the ones you will inspire in the future.

Hi Brett
You are the fairest,consistently determined & most courageous player I have seen in our 60 plus years of association with Australian rules football. We wish you & your family all the best for your future path through life.

Kirky, a true hero and someone that every person could model themselves on in one way or another, in sport or every-day life. One of the greats of the club and the game. I hope you didn't retire cause my wife dropped you from her dream team!

kirky what a champ...i hope we do well this year for u!!
good luck in whatever u have ur mind set on for next year...

Brett you are truley the heart and soul of the Swans and irreplaceable.Your legacy is boundless thanks mate, good luck. Col.

Oh Brett.
What will I do without you?
I'm that besotted fan that calls out "I love you Kirky" every SINGLE time you run past bay 31 at the SCG. Much to the entertainment of my family and friends, every time you touch the ball, make a tackle or simply run on to the field - a smile from ear to ear appears on my face. You have been my favourite player since your first game with the Swans, and will always be. Thank You for all the commitment and for demonstrating ethics in football to the highest degree. You will be sadly missed - especially by me. Your greatest fan! Allison xx

On very rare occasions does a player rise to poke his head up as a true champion. As they say some are born great, and others achieve greatness. Brett Kirk will be remembered as a player who took the talent he was given and multiplied it many times through determination, hard work and enthusiasm. A true blood stained angel.
Thank you
John Collins

I have never met Brett Kirk but know of him well and use him as a role model for myself. To you Brett and your family all the very best in your future endeavours but I certainly hope you stay involved with the Sydney Swans Football Club.
As a player absolutely outstanding at getting the best out of himself and those around him and I am sure that those taking over from you will carry on that tradition be it at the `bottom of the pack', again and again, or pulling the players into a huddle for `one last effort'
And thank you for building such a strong culture at our club and one that I am extremely proud of. All the best mate and go the "Bloods" in 2010 for your final tilt at at glory.

Captain Kirk (Legend),
I wanted to congratulate you on a fantastic career. You are a absolute testament to the game. Your hard work, discipline and shear determination is truly inspirational. Good luck for the rest of the season and your pursuits in the future. Go the Bloods!!

Thanks for everything Brett.

Brett
You are an inspirational leader and a great player, thanks for all you have done for the mighty bloods, you will be missed. All the best for you and your family.

I've followed your inspirational career since you took a hanger in the goalsquare in a Murray High School Under 15s game as a 13 year old. Thanks for the memories - and for taking Luke under your wing when he was a rookie. Best wishes to you and your family.

Brett,you have given your all for the Sydney Swans every time you have stepped onto the ground.No supporter could ask for more.your determination is an inspiration to us all.Thank you. Bob Potter.

Simply The Best. I have been an die hard Swan Fan living in Melbourne all my life. You are the very reason the club is where it is today. Your strength, determination and desire has become the benchmark for any new player to the club. As supporters we see your influence in in todays young guns. Hannerberry, Moore and Jack and co, all seem to have taken a piece of you into the game. I will never forget the feeling when watching you put everything on the line. Wherever your last game may be ill be there cheering you on like a true Blood.
Sydneys last game this year, be it finals or not will bring the end of an era with Captain Kirk and Roosey, two ornaments to the game and club gone forever.
Ed Conte

Kirky, congratulations on a cracker of a career. We once named a kitten after you and have loved watching you give it your all for the Swannies. Good luck for the remainder of 2010 and onwards. We will be talking about you for years to come. GO THE BLOODS!!

Captain Kirk--your contribution to the Swans and to the code in general has been superb! You have always been a quiet achiever and a statesman of the game. Best of luck in the future.
K & W

Brett, You will be greatly missed by the Team and the Fans. It was always obviously that at no time in a game did you ever slacken your pace. I admire you as a player and a family man. Will also very much Hayley's Blog. Just recently she included something you said which I think is an inspiration for all people - If You Fail to Prepare, You Prepare to Fail. Good luck to you and your family in the future. Will really miss you. Sue, Joe and Boots our cat who puts up with me cheering and yelling on the sofa!

Brett Kirk thanks for the commitment you have given to Sydney. You have been an inspiration. You have given enjoyment to so many fans. Please stay with Sydney in some capacity.

Thanks for the memories BreTT and a BIG THANKS for your contribution to winning the 2005 premiership.
Regards,
Ged

If you leave me now you take away the biggest part of me ohhhh baby please don't go ohhhh I'm begging you to stay but seriously Sir you are an inspiration to me and my family we all love you thank you thank you thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Brett,
You have been an inspiration as a player and a man and made me proud to be a Swannies supporter. Loved watching you play and loved knowing you never left the field wondering if you could have tried harder. The spirit of the Bloods, that hard tough footy we love to watch is a spirit you did so much to engender . It will live on in the club and be an enduring legacy to the work you did.
Good luck

I've dreaded this day. Captain my captain, heart beat of this great team, fearless leader, blood of the Bloods: thank you for who you are, for how you've played for what you've achieved and how you've led the Sydney Swans. Like Paul Kelly you can't be replaced. Congratulations and very best wishes for your future. You deserve the best.

CHAMPION KIRKY #31

You have been an inspirational captain and leader of our club. I hope you will stay involved in our club in some way. It has been a joy to watch you play and see how you led by example on an off the field.Your influence will never die.

Hi Brett
Congratulations on a inspiring career. You are the perfect example of achieving your goals with hard work and believe that you belong. I hope you will find enjoyment in whatever you do after football but I reckon you could be a great coach teaching the young guys the important fundamentals of sport. All the best for you and your family from a big Swans supporter.

Brett you are an inspiration to both young and old.We are in our seventies but are still inspired by your code of ethics,your courage and your sincerity.
You are impossible to replace but you will be leaving the Swans a better club than when you began.We do not use the word "legend" lightly but you are a true legend.Thank you for the years.

Kirky you will always epitomise what it takes to be a Blood. Without question the toughest, most honest bloke I've seen play the game. I'll always remember you getting your head stapled together during the '05 prelim, and the bake you gave Nick Davis during that year's semi... we all know how that ended. You've been the heart, soul and lifeblood of our footy club and so much more. You're a true legend and I'm shattered to think of the Swannies without you. Thanks Kirky, you're an inspiration for football and life.

Hi Captain Kirk,
Struth another swan gone, gosh I know it had to happen sometime but what a blow. I felt like someone told me a good friend had just died, you will be sadly missed captain kirky. as someone who has followed your outstanding career and contribution to the club may I just say a hearty thanks even that seems somehow inadequate. you will be In our hearts always brett, you and your beautifull family including grandad kirky. kindest regards and I will be watching you and the team in september. Go the red and the white because we believe!,

Brett Kirk is a living example of the Bloods credo;
Aut Vincere Aut Mori
(Either conquer or die)
Brett Kirk;
Feared by Opponents
Loved by Teammates
Respected by Everyone
DS

I was new to the country and certainly unfamiliar with the game. But you've welcomed me with open arms and whenever I'm in town I know that I have a family waiting for me. I have a had a great time hanging with you and some very memorable moments. Although a ocean separates us you are not far from thoughts even when I have to be up at 2am to watch you play. So here's to a great season and all the success life has for you after your footy career.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for not only being a great footballer but for acknowleging the HISTORY of the wonderful club.

You are a true inspiration and to earn respect from former greats such as Bobbie Skilton is an indication of the person you are.
Will miss you terribly.
What can one say about Brett Kirk that adds to the fine words his coach and fellow players have spoken?
My favourite Blood and a legend of the game that played with integrity and sportsmanship.

When he won the Bloods Best and Fairest in 2005 and again in 2007,
They were notable to me as it's seldom that a player so richly deserves not just the title of "best" but also of "fairest".
A legend and role model that will be sorely missed.
I've left an epic message and still words cannot begin to express how sad I will be when he plays his last game.
No doubt Round 21 will be a sellout when he plays his last home game
YOU ARE A LEGEND KIRKY, THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES MATE

I'm heartbroken, even worse than when Paul Kelly retired. I will never forget being at the MCG in 2005 and agin in 2006, your inspiration of the team in 2006 nearly got us over the line again. As an Albury girl living in Sydney for many years, it has been great to see an Albury boy play with such courage and inspiration. Good luck to you and yours after 2010. Hope the team can bring another cup home for you. xxx

I am an Eagles supporter. Very disappointed that my favourite AFL player is giving it away but intuition is always right. Good luck with whatever direction your next stage of your life takes. I will always remember those classic Sydney v Eagles battles and the toughest man alive, Brett Kirk. Well done Brett - you truly are a legend of the game.

Brett Kirk, you still are one of the best! PLEASE, lose your allusion too! Truly use your intuition. If you can give your all through to the end of this season, then why not next season? Tony Lockett wasn't so misguided in his desire to make a come-back, but he showed how difficult it is to attempt. -So it really is "better to burn out than to fade away," so please don't try it let alone do it! CARN, mate! Gizsanother season, willya! We'd thank you all for that. And I do. Cheers!
Tony

Kirky your legacy will forever be In the Blood you shed for this club. Your tenacity and skills epitomise a great hard working team. You will always be missed but there are no subsitutes and I look forward to seeing your photo on the members room hall of fame.
Time moves on but a legacy stays, Luke

Brett, you are a wonderful human being,we will miss you on the field,you are so courageous,your heart and soul goes into every game,we hope that you stay with the club,we have been members for 12 years and never tired of watching you play,all the best and enjoy your retirement with your beautiful family.

As a proud swans supporter it brings tears to my eyes to see kirky go. He embodies what our club is about, he embodies the bloods spirit. I wish Him all the best for the next chapter of his life. It has been an absolute joy to watch him put 100 percent in on the field week in week out. You will be missed Kirky and never forgotten. A true champion of the game!

Some day, when my sons look up the word "leader" in the dictionary, they will find a picture of Brett Kirk there. You are truly one of the best, both on the field and off. A great example to aspiring young footballers coming through. Thanks for the memories (especially the 2005 premiership!)and all the very best to you and your beautiful family for the future. CARN THE BLOODS!!!

Brett I forgot to say God Bless to you and your family in your future plans. Thanks again.

Brett
Thank you. Not only for the joy of watching you play since the beginning of your career, but hearing you speak on so many occasions. Your words and your actions are not only an inspiration to your team-mates they inspire anyone who listens to you or watches you play.
You are a true gentlemen on and off the field. Your graciousness, your humour, your kindness, your grit and determination, your passion for the game, the Swans but most of all your family have all been such a delight to so many of us and I know I'll shed a tear or many on the day you say goodbye.
Whilst your playing days may be coming to an end, I’m sure your involvement with the Bloods will go on for a very long time and will motivate new generations of players and fans alike to be a part of the Swans family.
Thank you again Captain Kirk, I’ll miss you.
Go the Bloods!

A true Blood Stained Angel,thanks for the flag and the memories,you are the MAN.

Hi Brett, we knew this day would be here one day and sadly the time has come.
From the time we walked along Driver Ave with you after we all walked out of the Swans office at the same time, to the club championship dinners we have attended to see you rewarded for your efforts, to watching you at every game, you are an inspiration not just as a sportsman, but as a person you have shown how things can be achieved with effort and determination. We have loved every minute of your time at the Swans and you will be missed. We hope that you will be around the Swans for a long time in some capacity.
Thanks for the memories Brett, you are a wholehearted and gusty player.
Our only regret is that you did not hold up the Premiership Cup in 2005. You were and are still the heart and soul of the bloods and you deserved that honour.
Maureen and Ron Eyles

Hello Brett I'm a very new support of the swannies because of Lewis Jetta, but I would like to thank you for taking the time to come and meet us when we came over for Lewis's firs game. This was a honour for me and I'm very privilleged to have met such a beautiful person and very respected person as a captain of a football club. First impressions last a long time and even more as an Aboriginal person. I wish you all the best and enjoy the rest of this season and thanks for the support you give to Lewie. All the best mate no doubt we will hear that you have taqken up some sort of coaching role at a later date...after your well deserved break. Thank you Karen Jetta, Bunbury WA. Go the might SWANNIES!!!

Dear Brett,
We are all truly privileged to have witnessed your football career. Parallels can be drawn to the evolution of you as a player, and to that of our mighty club. The imprint you will leave at the Swans will be a legacy for the generations. Your fight, determination and dedication to the Bloods will be sorely missed. A whole hearted thankyou and best wishes for the remainder of the season and your retirement.

Hey Brett, all the best for the future, hey I joined my 1st daughter Daria (4 years old)last year and my second daughter (Tamara 3 years this year), after wathching you and the team since the late 90's and going to the 'G' in 05 & 06 watching you and the guys smash through week after week of entertaining footy, I'd like to thank you for your 'Courageous' efforts and your leadership qualities in taking 'OUR' Sydney swans to the top of the competition (finals) year after year, since you have been involved. It is guys like you that make guys like me want to introduce this sport to kids like mine and teach them that there are true heroes in sport that can be respected and looked up to.
Cheers Mate,
Respectfully yours
Lenny

Brett, you will never know the pleasure you have given me watching you play for my beloved Swans. You are an inspiration to all the young players who will follow after you, not only on the field but in life. Your attitude to people you meet is so special and all the times I have met you at the Redback Functions etc. You have always made me feel like a special fan, You even sent me a photograph and signed it to my No1 fan Audra. Which I will treasure all of my life. All my love and good wishes to you, Hayley and Family.
Cheer Cheer Audra Lindberg

Brett - thanks heaps for what you have given the supporters both on the field and off it. Your influence on what this club stands for in terms of courage, loyalty, integrity and team spirit is immeasurable. You will be respected and admired by all of us for many years to come. Best wishes to you and your family for the rest of this year and for whatever the future holds for you. Bill, Merryl and Shivaun Conn (Members since 1985)

Kirky you're a deadset legend and couldn't have been a better benefactor for the sport in its growth within NSW! Well deserved retirement but i hope the 2010 swans give you the premiership send off you deserve!

Jeez... What can I say to convey it mate? I bought membership because of the way you play. You inspire and are achamp. Good luck for the future.

Captain Kirk... you have been an inspiration and we have been proud to call you our own. Your dedication and passion has led the club and it would not be the same without you. I am proud of the culture and spirit of the club and have no doubt that this is to do with your input. Good luck with the next stage of your life and thank you for all the memories - including the 2005 flag - and thanks for the wave during the Grand Final parade :)

Brett,, I used to stand on the wing at the lakeside oval with my grandad and dad,,,and soak up every little bit of what it was to be a bloods supporter,,. That feeling got lost for many years, until Brett Kirk came on the scene and made every player he ever played on know and feel the next morning,,,they had played the Bloods. Thanks for the memories and thanks for the belief in this great club.
You're a great great footballer

Kirky, wow you are such an inspiration and thank-you for everything you do for the club on and off the field. I know you can't hear us screaming from the back row of the stadium - but we can see you give it everything time and time again - and it has been an honour to watch you play with your teammates. Best of luck for the future and I hope you can stay involved with the club to ensure your legacy continues.

I remember seeing you play early on and you were a bit player; popping up occasionally somewhere in the forward line when Rodney Eade was coaching. You reminded me of the guys I saw around uni with your unkept hair and relaxed demeanor. But you were in the AFL and playing for my team and I have to say you weren't exactly fantastic. My first memory is you missing a set shot inside fifty against the Crows maybe. I could see you becoming a cult hero that could've been something more. About a year later, with Paul Roos coaching, you came to life and the cult hero began to change. My second big memory of you is a radio interview talking about the label 'defensive midfielder' after you kept a big name (maybe Simon Black) quiet and your performance was crucial to a big win. From that point on all the commentators and all the opposition teams took you seriously, not to mention the Swans supporters. Maybe it's my biased recollection, but it was the impact of your style of play that made other teams designate a 'defensive midfielder'. A player willing to sacrifice their game to negate the effectiveness of opposition key-men. A given now, in every team. The year leading up to the grand final win was incredible. I still watch the final series and get goose-bumps. You bled for us. And Brett Kirk. After 2010. Watching the Swans play will never be quite the same.

Brett, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to you for embodying the qualities that make AFL the world's greatest game. OM MANI PADME HUNG

Ah Kirky.
I've loved watching you play. But I've also loved the way you love the club, and how you love all the boys, and how you play for them.
I'm gutted that we can't watch you run around again next year, but we'll never forget the great things you've done for this club!
I hope the boys can send you out on a high note.

Hey kirky sorry my speaches aren't as good as your tackling so I'll just say your a legend and just finish off your career exactly like you started it. Thanks by Matt

thanks kirky you are a true champion of our great footy club, not the best kick, not the best athlete, but always the hardest worker and a great inspiration to the boys around you, your leadership has made so many of our boys better players, our club owes you so much. thanks a million

Kirky you are a true inspiration on and off the footy field. Thank you for all you have done with the Swans.You will be missed, may success and happiness follow you and your family in your next venture.

Thank you Kirky! You have been a great role model to the game. You have always put your heart in every game you played. I've always enjoyed watching you play. You will be missed!!!

You have inspired me and others to live with great endeavour, daring and honesty. A heartfelt thank you for all your work at the Sydney Swans.

Brett thank you for all of those great games you played for us you are a champion and will all ways be one best of luck for you , your family and your future in life ,Im sure you do well , regards from Peter Veneris in lockhart N.S.Wales

You are and always will be the greatest example of a team player. If I had to rely on someone for my life I hope it would be you. Thanks for everything - go the bloods

Kirky, thanks mate. You have been the heart and soul of this Club for nearly a decade. You will be greatly missed on the field, however your influence and the Bloods culture will live on. Enjoy the rest of the season!

Kirky,
You will be missed but not forgotton for a long time.
You are an absolute champion and an inspiration not only to your team mates but also to your fans.

Brett, Amazing effort over the years! You should be very proud and you will be missed. Regards, Moore Family

Kirky, you are a legend and in inspiration. You typify the spirit of "The Bloods". I wish you well in everything you do in life.

brett kirk..... thankyou for playing a big part in making us the club we are today. you are and will always be the heart and soul of the mighty bloods.......the greatest team in the world. goodluck and best wishes for your future and hopefully you will be around at the club to help keep alive the bloods spirit..

brett kirk thanks for the great effort you have put in in the years u have been with us we r all so very proud of u and wish u luck in the future u will be misssed. you have being a great role model to the young recruits taht have joined sydney hopefully they will follow ur footsteps and become a great player like u u will always have a place in the sydney swans hearts and the fans best of luck

Thanks Cap'n Kirk for all your hard work. Your an inspiration to all of us as I am sure you are to the rest of the Swans. Your efforts will be looked upon in awe for years to come!

Good job Brett! Your never say die attitude has made you a favorite AFL personality - not just with Swans supporters, but with all footy fans. We hope that you will not be "lost" to Sydney when you retire at the end of the year and that you will be able to continue in some form of coaching at the club. Many thanks for all the memories you have given us all. Our best wishes to you and your family.

Brett Kirk is the heart and soul of the Sydney Swans. Never have I seen someone with as much courage, integrity and heart as Brett Kirk - an inspiration to all.

Kirky, Its because of you and Roosy that we won a flag! My father is 82 and its was great to see his reaction when we won that flag. Thank you so much, I hope the club is smart enough to keep you on board! You are one of the best blood brothers ever, if not the best!!! We will all miss the way in which you have lead our club. Thank you so very much, you are one of the best bloods!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brett, firstly I want to congratulate you on such a wonderful career. I used to watch you play at Bunton Park and have been so proud of the amazing player and captain you became with the Swans. It is a sad day to hear of your leaving the Bloods, but I am sure that you will leave in your your wake a fantastic legacy. A long awaited Premiership and the plaudits of other captains and coaches are testament to your amazing abilities as both a Player and a Man. The guts and determination you display more than make up for your kicking "style". Well done and thank you from a very devoted Swan fan, I wish you all the best for your future...

Kirky, thanks for all the great moments on the field you brought so much pleasure to many people. In particular thanks to you for inspiring my six year-old to love our wonderful game and to play it with spirit and a sense of fair play. Yours is an enduring legacy which will influence the Swans family across a generation.

Brett - we will never forget your inspired 3rd qtr in 2006 GF, your consistent ruthless attack on the ball, all those 37 metre goals, your ability to align the playing group, club and supporters to the "bloods spirit", your smile and the buddha energy and light that radiates from you !!

Brett Kirk you are an INSPIRATION !!!
Other AFL footy player should try to aspire to achieve what you have done on the field.
We will MISS you!!!
Sincere thanks for your leadership of our team and best wishes for 2011 and beyond.

May you live long and prosper, long after your brilliant football career. I have shared a common journey with you - and I hope that we may continue to do so should you take some other role at the club.

"Captain Kirk", "Hippy", "Kirky".....you are a true "Blood". Images of you as one with the Melbourne true-believers in the post GF 2006 Sunday morning wake will be with me forever. You realised the importance of spending extra time with the throng of adoring fans, who were all delighting in your "high spirits" (so to speak). Shame that the rest of the team missed the plane because of your malingering(!)...but I tell you, the South Melbourne brethren loved you for it!

One wonders if the emotions of fans translate to the players on the ground, but as a fan I can assure you I felt every confidence in our midfield with you there, your confidence, strength, and determination were inspiring. Those goals always the "icing on the cake" for a game well played.

brett you are all that is wonderfull about our club, our game and society.......thank you for so much joy and the feeling of dignity watching you..Bill

Hi Kirk
All the best in your retirement from the Swans. You are a terrific role model as captain and I just enjoy all the games

Kirky,watching the swannies go around next year wont be the same without you, your a massive inspiration to many lives and you should be extremely proud of what you have achieved. We'll miss seeing you get pulled by the guernsy from the bottom of the pack, your a legend of the afl and the sydney swans

Forgot to add in last email:
Let's hope there is a role at the Swanees for you Brett for many years to come, and that you can continue to inspire all future red and white blood brothers to follow your example. We cannot fail with you around!

Brett- we are going to miss you muchly! You beaming smile from ear to ear when you walk around the ground after a gutsy win at the SCG; knowing that it doesn't matter how tough a game seems you'll find the inspirational words during the three quarter time huddle to take the boys to another level; and my favourite- your address during a game should be #1 Bottom of the Pack coz that's where you inevitably are during the stoppage ;) All the best Captain Kirk- thanks for the memories :))))

Kirky, you're the heart and soul of the Sydney Swans Football Club and your legacy will be the respect the club now has in this city and the AFL.
The SCG will never be the same without you running around waving to the crowd (especially the Noble Stand!) after a big win. You leave everything on the field for your teammates and the Swans fans and I hope you feel the appreciation and respect we give you back as our captain.
You will be missed!

Thank you Brett Kirk. I know your strength and spirit will continue in the club. That is your greatness and our reward. I am sure the Universe will point in the direction you want; it always does do that.

Kirky, What can i say you are an absolute
champion. Both on and off the ground.

Kirky, thanks for all the great moments on the field you brought so much pleasure to many people. In particular thanks to you for inspiring my six year-old to love our wonderful game and to play it with spirit and a sense of fair play. Yours is an enduring legacy which will influence the Swans family across a generation.

The sydney swans plus their supporters will miss you Kirky,as you always go out and give all you can and they will miss your 3/4 time talks that always seem to pull the players together.I hope that the club keeps you on in some capacity as you are an inspiration.Thankyou for your part in being part of a great club,will miss no.31 Good Luck in whatever you do.

You have served The Bloods well ! We will miss you Kirky. All the very best to you and your family for the future. Go Swannies !!!!

The ability to inspire as you do is a unique and wonderful quality. You have it in bucket loads Kirky! You are an
absolute gem, and along with many other passionate Swans fans, you are my favourite player. You rank up there with Bobby Skilton as the best players for the Bloods since I started following my beloved red & white in 1948. My love to you and your family and may your life be full of happiness, joy and contentment.

thanks kirky your a legend in my books

Kirky I hope your leadership is not lost to the Swans. Get your coaching certificate and come back and coach in some capacity. Whether it be the kids in the twos or the mids group or eventually as the head coach your inspiration and insight must continue to be harnessed for the good of the bloods!

When I was growing up supporting South there was always the nagging feeling we were just hanging in there and other clubs did it better. Today the Swans have a great culture and a fantastic club. Brett Kirk has been at the forefront of developing the Blood's Culture and I am eternally grateful for his part in the evolution of our club. If we keep the Blood's Culture we will continue to be envied by others.

Kirky,
From humble beginnings to a champion of the game you have always led with your heart and demanded your 'blood brothers' followed. I will never forget the images of your relentless, uncompromising attack on the footy and unrivaled leadership, which inspired the club onto winning its first premiership in 72 years. You leave behind fantastic memories for all of us who have been privileged to watch you play and a legacy that will last forever at the Sydney Swans, and for that I will always be grateful. There can be only one thing left to say ...
Brett Kirk - Toughest Man Alive

Congratulations to you and your family on your football achievements. Best wishes for the rest of the year and for life after football. Scott

Captain Kirk, you have been an inspiration to many and a special favourite of my daughter. We will all miss your magnificent contribution.
Hope you can stick with the club after your playing days. Keep beaming up!!

When Paul Kelly retired I wondered how the Swans could find another player who would inspire the team and the fans with pure guts and determination and hard-at-it performances. Brett Kirk took over the roll with such fantastic commitment and never-say-die attitude and brought something new to the club with his style of leadership. Well done Brett. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication. You are truly an inspiration.

hey kirky, thanks for the great footy memories, as a fan i know your leadership will be missed next year.
it was great watching you play but i think i enjoyed seeing you rev up the rest of the team in the 3 quarter time huddles just as much.
look forward to watching you play out your career, love ya

So Captain Kirk,it's finally come. What can I say, you have been the life and soul of the "bloods" for so long they won't be the same without you. I wish you every success in the future and I trust you will "keep on keeping on" for the rest of the season. Good luck and good bye from a most devoted Swans fan.

well done brett you are an inspiration to the club.although i live in perth now i still support the club so much so i just got my swans personalised plates for my car.hope you have a great life.cheers chris gianatsis

Dear Brett, thank you so much for your contribution to the swans,as Paul Roos says, you are an inspiration to the club and the players, and im sure to other clubs and players also.
thank you for the memories from the last 8 years, memories that will last a life time.
all the best to you and your family.

Thanks Kirky, you are a true superstar and people like me look up to you. Im 14 and you are my role-model. And I hope you finish 2010 fantastically. Your an incredible and courageous player and you always will be remembered as one of the elite and best Sydney Swans players ever. Your a true inspiration and will always be my favourite AFL player and I wish you the very, very best for the future and I hope you end up staying connected with the Sydney Swans. Thanks for the memories.

brett kirk you are one of my favourite players and i will always remember you as a gun you were a great player and a great captain all the best mate

I knew that one day you would not be running out with the rest of the boys but I have been trying not to think about when it would be. You have dragged the team through some desperate times and have lead by example, you will be sorely missed. Please stay in touch with the Swans.

Captain Kirk, what a sad sad day.... a truly inspirational LEGEND who will be missed by so many. All the best for whatever the future may bring. xx

thanks kirky,
you are the spirit of this team
without you we are like a photo frame without a picture inside. like a jewlery box without any jewlery. you made the swans more that a bunch of guys running around on a field. you made us a team, a single unit, winning together and loosing together. I hope that you and your family have the best of times after footy and that you an bring spirit into there lives like the spirit, courage, determination and hard work that you brought to the swans that won us a flag.
thanks mate,
from robbin williams' "dead peots scocioty" "oh captain, my captain"
thanks mate,
cheer cheer the red and the white

We look forward to the rest of your games this year. We believe with the full side you are a real chance. You are an awesome Riverina family.Love to Hayley too from all the Forbes family.

There will never be another one like you! From an appreciative Swan's fan
Jenny

True legend and a top bloke. Will and go down as one of the club's greats. Has really left his mark and the Sydney Swans is now a much better club as a result. Will no doubt be successful post football.

Brett Kirk
You have been an absolute inspiration to us. Your never say die attitude and the fact you always gave 100% is something us supporters are truly grateful for. We have had some great captains over the years but your name is right up there among the best of them. Thanks for everything, most importantly the 2005 Flag. Good luck for whatever you do in the future hopefully it will involve something do to with the BLOODS.
From the GRAHAM family in Geelong

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I could just thank you for 2005, that would be more than enough, your actions and words that day were more than enough. But in truth it has been many years of inspiration on and off the field. In a world where sportsmen are too often called champions, you stand as a beacon of who our heroes could be. Thanks.

Kirky, you deadset champion!!!! words cant describe what you have done for our fantastic team and club.that day in 2005 was just the best. If only they could bottle your couarge, leadership and unbelievable personality and let everyone share it!!! i love the way you go about your life and it has helped me by trying to live in a similar way! you a true champion, a blood, a swan!!!! good luck buddy!!

I teach Primary School in a pretty disadvantage area in Victoria and have often used you as an example of what can be accomplished with hard work, a never give up attitude and a dream.
Rarely does a footballer accomplish so much with his humility intact.
You have given so many of us so much enjoyment - Thanks for the ride.

Captain Kirk,
Thanks! we have enjoyed every minute of your career and the legacy you leave is a tribute to you.

I bought a signed swans jersey for $260 without the money needed or permission from my parents. They were quite annoyed at me but i was so happy to have all my legends signatures. I then realized though that i didn't have Captain Courageous'(Kirkys)signature and was quite annoyed. Moral of the story you are an amazing person and footy player and i am very upset your leaving and i still don't have your signature.Good luck Kirky in whatever you do i still think your everyone's star.

I'm a better person because I know of a man called Brett Kirk.
Master of the mongrel punt. A Bloods brother to us all.

Brett, I think you are not only a champion player but a gentleman to boot. My 11 year old son said to me after the match in Canberra that Brett Kirk remembered he played for the Calwell Swans. That just sums up what an inspiration you are not only to the team and the fans but the thousands of kids that are the next generation. Thanks for all you have done for the club and the game. Good luck in the future.

Well done Captain. Your a credit to our great club and make us proud to tell everyone we are Swan supporters.

Kirky, thank you for all the enjoyment and inspiration your career has brought to the bloods fans. I will never forget your sportsmanship, determination and attack on the ball. My favourite memory will remain of you marshalling the team at 3 qtr time of the 2005 Prelim final, head wound, helmet and all. A true Blood Stained Angel. Cheers for the memories. Dave.

Going to miss you so much! I won't get the same hope that I have whenever the Swans are down at 3 guarter time and I see you talking to them in the huddle. I know they are going to put up I fight when I see that. It's Irreplacable. It wont be the same without you Kirky, thanks for all the memories.

Thanks for the great times Kirky. You have been a great role model for my son Michael and I just like your style! Best wishes Phil

birk kirk thanks to the great effort you have put in all these years and for being a great role model not only for me but for so many other young players. I know i'll definently miss you and thanks kirky. its going to be really hard to fill your shoes.

Brett thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have given and will continue to give to the Swans Team, Club and Fans. Our hope is that you will continue at the club as a coach or part of the football club. Enjoy the games now you have released the stress. We will miss you next year but 2010 will be a great year for you to enjoy with your team mates.
Look forward to makeing a great cheer squad banner for you for a thank you not a farewell. We appreciate very much all you have given to us the fans.
Lister Family

Legend.

Kirky you are a legend of the sport. You are a role model to me and my mates, and there will be no one who can replace you and step to the challenge. You have done so much for this club and i know that every Swan fan appreciates what you have brought to this club. Thank you mate. Zack

I'm a better person because I know of a man called Brett Kirk.
Master of the mongrel punt. A Bloods brother to us all.

Although we all know you can't go on playing for the Swans for ever, but you will always be remembered. You are an inspiration to so many people. What ever you and your family decide to do after the footie finishes, I know you will succeed. Thank you for such wonderful memories. Best wishes for your future. I certainly hope the Swans can get to the finals again this year, and wouldn't another cup be just the best ending for you. I hope so anyway.

Hi Kirky. we have been watching you year in and year out and no better than when my whole family went down to see you help win the 2005 grand final. You are such a great role model for any young person and we will miss you terribly. Enjoy the rest of this year and the rest of your life. Good luck

Well Captain Kirk, what are we going to do without you & your inspirational 3/4 time talks that you give the boys? We are truly going to miss the way you play & your commitment to the the Swans....always at the bottom of the pack, always hard at the ball...a true 'BLOOD'!We are going to find it very hard to replace you...thanks for all of the memories!!!

Hi Kirky. we have been watching you year in and year out and no better than when my whole family went down to see you help win the 2005 grand final. You are such a great role model for any young person and we will miss you terribly. Enjoy the rest of this year and the rest of your life. Good luck

Kirky, you deadset champion!!!! words cant describe what you have done for our fantastic team and club.that day in 2005 was just the best. If only they could bottle your couarge, leadership and unbelievable personality and let everyone share it!!! i love the way you go about your life and it has helped me by trying to live in a similar way! you a true champion, a blood, a swan!!!! good luck buddy!!

Kirky you are one of the most inspirational leaders I have had the privilege to watch. I feel very lucky to have seen you play. Your interview on "Open Mike" should be compulsory viewing for all aspiring AFL players. Good luck and thank you.

Captain Kirk,
Would just like to congratulate you on a brilliant career. You are a true inspiration to all us bloods. See you Round 21 to say goodbye

Going to miss you so much! I won't get the same hope that I have whenever the Swans are down at 3 guarter time and I see you talking to them in the huddle. I know they are going to put up I fight when I see that. It's Irreplacable. It wont be the same without you Kirky, thanks for all the memories.

Kirky, you are an apsolute inspiration. Thanks for your gutsy efforts.You epitomise the meaning of a blood brother. I hope my son moulds his game on Brett Kirks never give in attitude. Thanks for the ride Kirky, you are an out and out champion of the Sydney Swans! All the best to you and yours for the future.

Thanks Brett. Whatever you said to the team at 3/4 time in the 2005 Preliminary Final against St. Kilda must have been the words of a true leader. You're an inspiration and all the best to you and your family.

Looking forward to celebrating your induction into the AFL hall of fame...it's a given

Kirky, you are a legend and in inspiration. You typify the spirit of "The Bloods". I wish you well in everything you do in life.

Brett, you are truly an inspiration to all on and off the field. You are without a doubt going to go down in AFL history as one of the most prolific and inspirational leaders of all time. You physical presence will be missed on the field, but the club culture you have helped create will last forever.
All the best for what i am sure will be an equally impressive career after football.
To you and your family....THANKYOU!! and good luck

ily m8 been a gr8 bloke to da club,we're lost without u

Brett,
Your career path has been an inspiration for my own, and just about every other part of my life for that matter. I have learnt from you Courage, Leadership, Integrity, Humility, Passion, Tenacity and Determination, all that from watching you play and following you in the media. Thank you sincerely for all the fantastic memories and for giving so much to our club. I wish you and your family all the best.
Without you there would be no Swans, and certainly no Bloods.

Kirky, you are a legend and in inspiration. You typify the spirit of "The Bloods". I wish you well in everything you do in life.

Dear Captain Kirk,
Thank you for teaching a 15 year old about what it means to be a true leader. You have been an inspiration, both onfield and off, and have shown what is possible when you never give up. I've really enjoyed watching you play for the Swans- you always inspire- both your team, and your audience.
Good luck for the future (though, knowing you, I doubt you'll need it!)

Kirky,
thanks for all the memories for all the time who have been with Sydney.
All the best for the future. I hope you stay well connected with the club.

Congratulations Brett on a super career - we admire your indominatable spirit - you have been an inspiration to the team and younger players comming along. The blood brothers creed you have so well promoted must continue. You have led from the front and been so courageous. We will miss you but we have the memories. All the very best for the future.

Thanks Brett for your passion and hardness that you have brought to the club. Your spirit opitimizes the Bloods culture and will all ways live on. Have a great rest of the year and I can't wait for the book. All the best and hope to see you with the club in the future.
Cheer! Cheer! The Brett and the Kirk.

Hi Brett, it will not be the same next year without you. You have given more to this club than any other Swans player. Can we ask one more thing of you, "take us to this years premiership", I know your leadership and determination can get us there.

Thanks for all you've ever done, for the club and the team. You're an inspiration and a True Blood.
I will never forget 2005 and your tribute to the Bloods up on the dais. I wish you all the best for your future. May Buddha smile on you and your loved ones forever.

After ten years following the Swans, it just won't seem the same without Captain Kirk. Thank you for all those great moments on the field and all that you have contributed to the team and the club. I hope you find off the field just a fraction of the happiness you have given to us! Best wishes.

Kirky, I am so proud to support a team that had you not only as it's captain but also as it's heart and soul! I love watching you play knowing that where the action is you'll be right there in the thick of things! An amazing leader and team player more often than not you are the first there to congratulate a team member on a great goal as enthusiastically as if you kicked it yourself! I am and always will be a huge fan and I think you're lovely (my husband is fine with that!) and look forward to the day I can explain to my now 4 month old son how to be a truely inspirational leader AND team player! We'll be cheering you on for the rest of the season and wish you and you family all the best for the future.

Mate
What a champion you are. What an inspiration and leader you have been.You will be surely missed.
May you have a long and happy life as you bought joy and happiness to us and the SWANS.
Ted

Oh Captain, my Captain. Brett, thankyou. You truly have been an inspiration to us all. As a teacher, I use you as an example of what one can achieve through sheer hard work and persistence. I still don't understand how you missed out on the Norm Smith Medal in 2006! Hopefully the boys can get you the chance for a final crack at glory. The torch must be passed on and, hopefully for all us supporters, someone steps up to grab it with both hands.

Captain Kirk, you are the heart and soul of the Swans and all the fans will miss you so very much. It won't be the same without you. My very best wishes to you and your family for the future.
You have been my favourite player for so long and I will miss you so very much. Love and thanks from your number one supporter. Winsome McPherson

Mate
What a champion you are. What an inspiration and leader you have been.You will be surely missed.
May you have a long and happy life as you bought joy and happiness to us and the SWANS.
Ted

Kirky, thanks for everything that you have done for the bloods. As a long time South Melbourne/Sydney supporter I will feel forever grateful for the role you played in the creation of the new bloods culture. Your deeds and leadership on the field were integral to that great day in 2005, when you helped to deliver that long awaited premiership to all the supporters who never gave up, and for so long turned up week after week, year after year to see their beloved club, hoping that it would achieve the ultimate success.You epitomise the club, its supporters and what it stands for, and reminded the old and the new about what the Sydney Swans as a club was and always will be.

Brett, Thanks for the memories

Captain Kirk, you are the heart and soul of the Swans and all the fans will miss you so very much. It won't be the same without you. My very best wishes to you and your family for the future.
You have been my favourite player for so long and I will miss you so very much. Love and thanks from your number one supporter. Winsome McPherson

I watched you play your first game for the Swans, and sadly will watch you play your last game. The Swans loss will be someone else's gain!

Congratulations Kirky on a great career. Your are an inspiration to everyone at the club. We might be losing you from the field but I certainly hope we dont lose you from our club. Thanks for some great memories.

My dear departed Dad would have been so proud of you. He saw the 33 grand final but sadly not 2005. You epitomise the tradition of "never say die" and have given our family some wonderful memories. Your attitude to life on and off the field is truly an inspiration.

We will miss you captain kirk!!! We all love!!!!!!
stay strong and thank you!!!!!!!!

Kirky, I'm not sure if I can think of a more inspirational player that I have ever seen. Your courage, determination and fearlessness are something that not many players have and it is through these traits as well as your personality that not only makes you a legend of this game, but also shows that you are one of the truly great people on this planet. Thank you for being such an inspirational player and person and I wish you luck in your future endeavours

Conratulations Brett on an amazing career.The inspirational leadership that you have displayed has been a key component of the swans success.Your never say die attitude and your ability to extract the maximum effort from yourself and your team when things get tough will long be remembered. Thanks for your enormous contribution to the swannies.
Geoff & Nathan

Hope to personally thank you round 20 in perth when we stay at the crown plaza hotel!
WA Swans Members

I still remember that hit that Byron Pickett put on you in the last quarter of the 2003 Qualifying Final. You shook your head and picked yourself up and kept running although you later said you couldn't remember anything that happened after that. It epitomised everything about the way you play. Also you coming of age in the shocking loss to the Hawks in the 2001 elimination final is a great memory. You are worthy of being inducted into "Legends" status in our Club.

Thanks for the memories!
Captain Kirk
WA Swans

Brett Kirk: Toughest Man Alive

you are an absolute legend Kirky, you are a true role model and inspiration showing true blood brother spirit, thankyou for your great career

Never thought I'd see a more inspiration or courageous leader than Paul Kelly. Then Kirky came along and just raised the bar forevermore... You are a legend of the Swans, and I will wear 31 on my back till the day I die!!!

To one of the most courageous and well respected players not only in the Swans but in the AFL,Brett you will be so missed.It has been an absolute pleasure to watch you play and to watch you lead the team with such humility.There is only a handful of players that play as hard as you,always at the bottom of the pack.Good luck for the rest of the season and enjoy it all.

Kirky you have done so much in your time at the Swans. What a wonderful role model you are to so many across all sporting codes. With your dedication and never give up attitude you are an inspiration to us all. You are a Living Legend of our Club, one of the true greats. "Go Bloods"

One of the greats is departing the game! Kirky, you have been awsome to watch...thanks for the memories!!

Kirky, you are a legend and in inspiration. You typify the spirit of "The Bloods". I wish you well in everything you do in life.

You are the man and in so many ways you have inspired me, and I am sure plenty of others, to achieve and keep pushing. I am sure that it is not over and that there are plenty of dreams and achievements ahead. No doubt you will succeed.

Kirky, you ARE the Bloods.
We love you champ and wish you well

hi Brett,
you make me a very happy swans fan. i nealy cryed wen i found out you retire. go swans

Cheerio Kirky,I would have you up there with my all time greats Skilts and Kell in the trenches.You helped my dream come true in 05 and i wish you all the best for your career after footy.Go bloods!!!!!

One of the greats is departing the game! Kirky, you have been awsome to watch...thanks for the memories!!

Enjoy your last year playing with the Sydney Swans. Good luck on your new life after Sydney Swans. We will miss you next year. The Sydney Swans will be different without you. Hope you are going to get involve with the Sydney Swans in the future.

Kirky, things will never be the same at the Swans without you, you're a role model on and off the field, I'm so glad you were there for the premiership.
Thanks for everything, you'll be sorely missed.

Kirky, you are an inspiration to Swans fans as well as the team and the club. Your courage, commitment, spiritual conviction and honesty mark you as a very special person. Like others, I hope there is a place for you in another role at the Swans, particularly working with young players. I will really miss your special brand of stamina and boundless commitment but recognise your right to move on to the next stage of your life. All the best wishes to you and your family.

Words cannot express how we as a family and loyal supporters think about you. You represent courage, mateship and honour. We are most impressed, as Melbourne Swans supporters your ascknowledgement of the club's history, thank you. We wish you and your family much love and happiness for your future and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for being a part of our lives with our beloved Swans. Bless you.

You have been a great player of this club and a true inspirational champion and your determination and courage on the footy field is what life is all about. All the best Kirky in life after footy.

Best three captains of the Sth/Sydeny swans
1.Bob skilkon
2. Paul Kelly
3. Brett Kirk
love you mate

Thanks Kirky, you've been a great player and leader at the club. You will be sorely missed

Kirky mate you have been the heart and soul of the club for years. And you are without a doubt the best role model and inspiration to any young player. We will miss you captain blood

Thanks Brett, your faith has been a huge bearing on what you have delivered to the Swans Group, when you get the boys into a huddle at threequarter time. Best Wishes for your future.

Dear Captain Kirk! What are we going to do without you!!! We all love you so much....you have been an inspiration to us fans and the team....I wish you the very best for the rest of the season and beyond. Your a true 'blood brother' and always will be!
Ruth Saliba, Melbourne

The Swans won't seem the same without you! There will be a huge hole left when you go and who could possibly fill it ? Best wishes Brett. Thanks for many happy footy memories.

on Norfolk Island we only get the occasional game televised, but always the radio - and the callers love you Kirky - they call you the engine - you are one of a kind

Kirky,
Leader of the bloods.You are a swans LEGEND. Your never-say-die attitude along with your fearlessness, courage and work ethic make you a deadset HERO to all swannies fans.
Your contribution to the bloods culture has been second to none and this has been a leading factor in the bloods success over the last decade.
Watching you courageously put your headover the ball time after time, sometimes getting smashed but always getting up has provided inspiration to all who watch you.
unfortunatly i havent seen you don the swans jumper live as much as i would have liked due to living in westerrn australia but i already cant wait for round 20 VS fremantle at subiaco so i can see you in action one more time!!!(Look for the kirk banner in the crowd!!!)
Finally brett you have simply been an inspiration to me and i am sure all swans supporters think likewise. Put in one last effort mate and try and bring home one more premiership. Thanks for the memories.

Have been greatly entertained by you over the past years. Always admired your courage, pride in your club and determination. Congratulations you are a credit to yourself, family and of course the Swans and AFL in general, more so than many others. Thanks once again. Lawrie Grace

Hi Kirky,
When I read the Swans' tweet earlier this morning that Roosy and an "unnamed player" were going to make an announcement at 12.30pm, my thoughts went immediately to the possibility of yet another retirement announcement, and then it went to you, since it had been the oft-asked question last yr when Leo Barry and Micky O retired.
I am only a recent convert to AFL although have followed it on and off over the years but I have been a Swans member since 2009. One of the main reasons I became a member was you - watching how hard you fight each and every week, how passionate you are about your love for the sport and profession - how I wish I could have that kind of passion for my work!

You are a natural leader. I still remember your passionate "speech" to the team before Micky O's 300th game - we could not hear what you were saying but your expression and actions said it all! You lead by example and you are a great role model for kids and adults alike both on and off the field. Your strong beliefs and spirituality are an inspiration to us all and I think this is reflected in the closeness of your family that we see each and every week through Haley's blog.
You will be sorely missed in 2011 on the field but I hope we will still see you around and I very much look forward to seeing you at all the games for the rest of the year. You are a true Bloods Legend! All the very best.

Oh no no no...tell me it is not true!!!! You are not joining the bulldogs are you??!!!

Long time supporter of Brett's and am shattered to see him go. But appreciate that the timing is right as he is leaving with another hero on mine, Paul Roos. Thank you for instilling the blood culture into the club and forever etched that mantra into the bunch of guys that held the cup up high in 2005. Thanks for the memory and continue to kick ass till the end!

Your a legend kirky! A true 'blood' and one of the most if not the most couregous player I have seen. Here's hoping you can go out on a high and the swannies can go deep into september!

Kirky, you epitomise the Blood's spirit - a true Swans legend! Thanks for the Flag in 05 and we hope you continue to show leadership at the club for many years to come.

Although our club has three co-captains these days, we've always known you were the Bloods' spiritual leader. I hoped you would play on for a few seasons yet, but you've definitely earned your rest. I hope you'll still be around the Swans in another capacity for many years to come. Thanks for all you've given to the Swans, Kirky, and all the best for the future.

Thank you brother for your selflessness on and off the field, for the times you've bled and for the times you've kept on going when things were tough. You've left an unbelievable legacy at the Red and White. You've made all the Swans' fans proud.

Hey, I'm a Collingwood supporter, but I'd like to say that you have had a wonderful career and are a star. It must be great to take one premiership and just lose but 1 point in another. I applaud you for your great career. Best Wishes! Ben

To one very insperational man Brett Kirk. We will miss you so much at the Swans. We have luved watching you every week on and off the field. Thanks for giving us so much joy every week. I cried when I heard you were retiring but I know its for the best. Best of luck to you and your family. x x

Tears still well up when I think of "This is for the Bloods." You are an inspiration, your ability to lift when the team was flagging, your perserverance and your overall good humour and sportmanship.I hope that you are not lost to the club as you are the glue that cemented the Bloods spirit

Kirky, you're a true leader and a real inspiration. All the best, to you and your family.

I have never seen a player with the ability to lift a team when they are down quite like you. I hope life after football brings you ss much joy as watching you play this great gane has brought me.

Kirk you are a true champion hope you stay around the club!!

Dear Kirky,
After Paul Kelly you are the best of the swanies. You lead by example and your courage could not be matched with no other. I wish you all the best and it is the right decision that you have taken. Hope you will be in the coaching staff of Sydney from next year.sad to see you and Roosy both leaving. Be around the club and wish you and your family best of luck.

Kirky, you embody the very best message to every young person trying to achieve anything. Regardless of the field of pursuit. You must work hard, you must practice, you must challenge yourself. Kirky you have been such an outstanding role model well done. Congratulations on a great footy career. Whats next?

kirky, captain blood. inspiration to so many. thanks for so many years of brilliance at the swannies. ill be in the stands for your last home and away game at the scg. hope the boys can get you to one last flag for your career

Thank you Kirky! You have been a great role model to the game. You have always put your heart in every game you played. I've always enjoyed watching you play. You will be missed!!!

Kirky, I have been a full blooded member from only 2008 i was so excited when i received my mship and you were on the 2008 member card. You are a true inspiration on & off the field, country people are like that though. I wish you and the family all the best for the future. You will be in our hearts forever. I will now have to find a new favourite player to cheer on, maybe someone who doesn't pay up, a returned swannie, or a swannie who has a doppelganger in the uk?
Cheer Cheer ..........

Kirky, you are an absolute legend!!! I admire the way you play the game and how you lead from the front. The qualities you possess are truly inspirational and you are definite role model for others. The Sydney Football Club and its supporters are going to miss you, not only for your ability on the field, but also for your leadership of the field. I wish you all the best for the future and I hope all your wishes come true, because you deserve it champ!!!

Captain Kirk, thanks for your heart, thanks for your courage, thanks for your leadership, the essence of which has become the very culture of the Swans. Thanks for the memories - Chris, Harry and Roger Cheesman

Brett I am coach of the U10 Manly Bombers and I often use you as an example of how to play this great game. Inspirational mate. All the best. Greg.

Kirky i have followed the Swans for 45 years and in that time 3 have stood above all others Skilton Kelly and you. The other 2 had more brilliance than you , but no one in this game had more guts tenacity and determination than you , for that matter in any sport i have seen.I totally admire your respect for your teammates, your club , your opponents and the game itself. It is a pity that the game and sport in general did not have more of the people like you involved. I hope you enjoy your retirement , but i hope you are not lost to the Bloods and stay involved . I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU COACH THAT CLUB ONE DAY

Brett,
You inspire the whole team with your courageous ways and I admire that you are a trully honest and fair player. I wish you and your family good luck and hopefully although your retiring as a player you will be still active around the club. We need you!
regards Jake

Dear Captain Kirk,
I am that passionate fan that yells at the top of her voice at Manuka oval "I love you Captain Kirk!" One time, you nearly spat your drink out from laughter. I travel near and far to see you play, sydney, melbourne, even wagga, you name it.You are the reason my hubby and three kids love the footy so much! You represent everything a player should be, passionate and that desire to be the best, to play fairly and show respect to the game, other players and life in general. I would be forever grateful if my children grew up to a decent human being like yourself. Enjoy the next chapter of your life and embrace all the new challenges that go with it. Continue to enjoy the things that mean the most to you, your family and friends. Right now, I feel like my world has ended without you. It just wont be the same, but I will promise to wear your badge at every game near and far! Thanks for the memories Captain Kirk!
Ali Sewter.

Hello Brett. Will be sorry to see you go. Have enjoyed watching you give your all in every game. I am sure the umpires will miss you too as you have always acted like a thorough gentleman no matter the decisions sent your way. Blessings on you and your family.

The way you played with heart and soul you will never be forgotten at the Sydney Swans

We want to thank Kirky for all he has done for the Sydney Swans. He is a great role model for young players. Our whole family will miss him greatly but hope he finds fulfillment in the future and is able to spend time with his family, and still contribute to the Swans in some way.

Kirky you rock who haave made the right choice go swans!!!

You are an inspiration to not only the Swans but to AFL in general and I hope you are not lost to the club you helped take to great heights so please be in some role in the background if it fits in with your new way of life.
BEST WISHES AND THANKS FOR THE MEMORY

Thanks Kirky you have been a great ambassador to all the swan supporters out their you are the best!!!

Hi Brett,
My wife and I remember seeing you play (as a rookie?) on 13 Feb 1999 at Manuka in the Ansett Cup.
It was clear from the way that you played your heart out in the win against Collingwood - always a sweet victory! - that you were destined for great things with the Swans.
Thanks so much for giving us so much joy for so long. - We thank you for your leadership, physical and mental courage and especially for your compassion, honesty and spiritual approach to life. You will always have a very special place in our hearts.

Hi Kirky, I cant image the my beloved swans without you. I have many memories but my favorite would be when you guys won the flag back in 05. I was only 11 years old and after the win I was at Punt Road oval watching you guys celebrate. I saw you in the corner and I went up to you and I said "I've been waiting 72 years for that to happen". And then you laughed and I got a photo. It was one of my greatest memories. I hope that my favorite player will have a great life and know that we all support you and your decision.

Brett, you are an inspiration on and off the field, the heart and soul of our club, loved and admired by so many. Wishing you a great season and a long and happy life after footy.

Hi Kirky, I cant image the my beloved swans without you. I have many memories but my favorite would be when you guys won the flag back in 05. I was only 11 years old and after the win I was at Punt Road oval watching you guys celebrate. I saw you in the corner and I went up to you and I said "I've been waiting 72 years for that to happen". And then you laughed and I got a photo. It was one of my greatest memorys. I hope that my favorite player will have a great life and know that we all support you and your decision.

Kirky... I still remember your first game on a cold night at the SCG. I was standing next to this well dressed gentleman behind the goals when you kicked your fist goal. This old guy nuged me and said "That's my grandson, I came all the way up from Wagga to seem him" Terrific moment!!
All the best, you'll be missed but not forgotten!!

G'day Brett, You've played with incredible team mates at an amazing club and seen your club complete the ultimate turn around. Your a fantastic player to watch and footy will miss you- until you hopefully start to coach down at Geelong one day where I for one would love to see you. Thank you for all your wonderful contributions to the great game.
Cheers. Adrian, Cats supporter in Perth

We have always enjoyed watching the Swans' inspirational leader and talented individual in Brett Kirk. It is obvious that your leadership, values and tenacity have affected team members and the club culture and you are an inspiration to stars of the future.

Kirky,
absolutely saddened to hear of your retirement. Your influence on the club and your legacy is tremendous. But less known is the impact you have made on your fans. We absolutely love you!!! Beyond anything you could know :)
It will be difficult to watch the club evolve without you there. All the best to you and your family! You are an inspiration, and such a legend.

Well Bret it´s time to take a well earned rest! You are the ispiration! Always a great performer and gentleman on and off the field.This year you made my Grandad´s 100th Birthday even more special with your call to him and he still talks about the great "yarn" you had together. All the best for the rest of 2010, lets get that Premiership so you have another medal to balance out the one from 2005, very fitting! Cheers from Vienna! Macca

Your never say die attitude will always be remembered. You will always be the heart and soul of this club. Your fellow players will always have you with them on the field. Hope retirement brings you all you wish for. You are the best.

Hey Kirky,
It's a shame to see you retire but i think it's awesome you've done it on your own terms. You are the biggest reason that i am proud to call myself a Swans supporter. The heart you show every week can be compared to no-one in the AFL.. as a great man once said "this is for the bloods!".

Dearest Kirky. Our family is totally devastated. However we do know that you are making the the right decision for Brett Kirk and his family. You have always remained the only man in the universe that my wife would leave me for. We love you mate. And your courage and hardness at the contested footy will stay in our memories forever. Have a fantastic life Brett !!!

Brett Kirk, you are an inspiration to the game and an inspiration to me.
One of my favorite players... you're my hero and I have been miserable since I've heard.
All the best!
"THIS IS FOR THE BLOODS"
You epitomise the Blood's spirit.. heartbeat of the swans.

We will not forget you for the all the games that you have played for our beloved Swans. I am a country fan from NSW and I always look forward to seeing you play. To me your are definitely one the best players for the Swans ever. I hope that you still have contact with the Swans. Go Sydney Swans.

Kirkky. You are my favourite player and AFL legend. I have seen you kick your very first goal and i cant belive you career is at an end. You are an inspiration to all of the kids out there. Your bravery and courage is to be rewarded. And the way you played in the 05 final was incredible. I love u Brett Kirk. xx

Long time supporter of Brett's and am shattered to see him go. But appreciate that the timing is right as he is leaving with another hero on mine, Paul Roos. Thank you for instilling the blood culture into the club and forever etched that mantra into the bunch of guys that held the cup up high in 2005. Thanks for the memory and continue to kick ass till the end!

I have never seen a player with the dedication to a club that Kirky has to the Swans. They talk about the great players of the past, this man is right up there with all of them, his ability to draw a team together is phenomenal. I wish you all the very best for your retirement, you will be missed.

Brett Kirk
An inspirational and courageous player and leader who has helped make our club so great. It has been a priviledge watch you play and cheer for you. Long live the Blood Brothers!!! Enjoy life mate

You're the reason i believe in GOD! all the best in retirement! A champion to the end! Now win as the premiership this year!

Kirky, the game just won't be the same without you. It's not often a footy club has a player who is respected by ALL the other players no matter what club they're from. Best of luck for the future.

Captain Fantastic - long may your legacy reign. Your work ethic, skills and never say die attitude have been an inspiration to fans and the team. Go, have a great life with all our blessings.

Same boat as Paul Kelly - legend !!

Hi Kirky i will see you in the change room soon i will come see you and say goodbye. PS do u remeber me
GO SWANNIES

Dearest Kirky. Our family is totally devastated. However we do know that you are making the the right decision for Brett Kirk and his family. You have always remained the only man in the universe that my wife would leave me for. We love you mate. And your courage and hardness at the contested footy will stay in our memories forever. Have a fantastic life Brett !!!

You have set a wonderful example for the younger players and for young kids who have decided to play A.F.L.You have been one of the reasons why many people follow the Swans and A.F.L in Sydney.You will be missed so much by so many people.

Kirky you are the best bloke to ever play AFL, you are a Swans legend. I know the swannies will win this week, they wouldn't let a club GREAT down. The best quote ever "THIS IS FOR THE BLOODS". Congrats on a wonderful carreer "Toughest Man Alive"
2005 would not have happened without you Kirky, Great carreer CHAMP!

I will not forget your inspirational leadership of my beloved Swans. I particularly remember your leadership during the grand final in 2006 when, after we fell way behind, you managed to rally the side while playing a wonderful game yourself. Your belief in your teammates, and your sheer football nous, kept despair at bay, and brought us back to the brink of a double premiership.
I will not forget either, your generosity to us, your Melbourne fans, or the fine example you have set, as a man, to your teammates, which has produced a culture in Sydney the envy of all other clubs.

Dear Kirky my favorite player! No. 31
To the heart and soul of the Sydney Swans team! To you who is an inspiration and someone in my life who i look up to! You have always been generous with your time and your spirit, always stopping to say Hello at training or fan days! I don't think I have had a dry eye all afternoon! Kirky, you have had a SUPER career (my favorite part was the 05 GF! and its probably one of yours too!) Brett i will miss you so much along with many other swans supporters! I am going to miss holding up my banner to say hello to you after a swannies win! Kirky, I wish you and your family all the best! Good Luck with the rest of the season! You will always be a Swan! GO BLOODS!
"Best Wishes" Lilly =) xoxo

Kirky, love watching you play. You never give up, always give 110% We will surely miss you!!! All the best for you and your family for the future

Kirky, I had the privilege of hearing your speech last year.
All new players should hear you as you are a true inspiration.
Good luck for the future.

Brett Kirk,
You are an ablsolute legend, inspirational leader, heart & soul of the team, the embodiment of The Bloods' spirit, & a true gentleman of the game. You will be missed beyond the ability of words to express, Cap'n.

Brett
I watched you play in that first game for us in the pre-season against Collingwood in Canberra. That was a great game and showed what you could do and what was to come. You have been a fantastic player and captain for our club. That address to the players at three quarter time against St Kilda in the 2005 final at the MCG was just magnificent and set up the premiership for us.
Thank you Brett for the many exciting times and great successes you have helped the team achieve. You will be missed!

Brett, you have always inspired me and others. The way you led on the field, and the example you set off it will never be forgotten. You personify the Bloods spirit, and show that hard work and determination will always pay off.
I wish you and your family the best of luck, and you will always have a special place in the hearts of all Swans fans.

Captain Kirk you are the most tremendous leader and my most inspirational role model. By following your story I've learnt the importance of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, commitment, determination and confidence. These are all the philosophies in life I've learnt from you and the way you play and have since instilled in my life. I wish you all the best in the future and that it's been a privilege to watch you play.

Hey Captain!
I know you probably won't remember but I'll never forget giving you a big kiss over the boundary fence on GF day 2005!!
That was very special!!
You are an inspiration.

Captain Blood....I still remember the words u belted out after the grandfinal win in 05..'This ones for the BLOODS!!. You are no doubt, One that will never be forgotten. You are a player i will be telling me grand children about. You will be very missed as this is a sad day for all swans, but a well respected decision by all. At least we have the rest of the year to watch u play and play finals!! All the best in the future and im certain u will be involved around the club..Take care

Kirky, you've inspired a generation of players and generations of fans.
It's been an absolute pleasure watching you play. Every week enjoying yourself, jumping up with a huge grin on your face after a huge hit, throwing yourself into every pack and leaving nothing undone each game.
You are a legend of the Swans and a legend of the game.
I am going to love watching you go out like the king you are.
Cheer cheer. We love ya Kirky.

Kirky, The heart and soul of our great club. You will be sadly missed. Congrats on such an enormous career. You will leave the swans as one of the greats. A most inspirational leader. Cheers to you!!

Kirky,
You are an inspiration to all who have ever been told that they weren't good enough or that it can't be done.Thanks.

Dear Bretty,
You are amazing ♥
You are the most talented, determined, skilled and lovable swan!
we are truly going to miss you alot :(
best of luck in the future years and we hope to see you around :)
Best Wishes Lulu xx
GO SWANNIES ♥

thanks for your magnificent contribution Brett. you are a credit to yourself, your family and the club. you have set an example of what a team player should be and the club will continue to benefit because of it.

you have been a super player for the club and your legacy will live on forever. The Sydney swans will always have some of you entrenched into the club. Thanks for the memories!

Over my 15 years of support you more than any other player have made the most of the talent you've been blessed with than anyone else who have worn the bloods gurnsey. That will be my over-riding memory over any one inspirational mark, tackle or goal. I hope that circumstances permit you to remain with the club in some way in 2011 and beyond.

Brett
I watched you play in that first game for us in the pre-season against Collingwood in Canberra. That was a great game and showed what you could do and what was to come. You have been a fantastic player and captain for our club. That address to the players at three quarter time against St Kilda in the 2005 final at the MCG was just magnificent and set up the premiership for us.
Thank you Brett for the many exciting times and great successes you have helped the team achieve. You will be missed!

Your spirituality gave you your spirit. It will live on in the spirit of the Swans. thank you.

Kirky, The heart and soul of our great club. You will be sadly missed. Congrats on such an enormous career. You will leave the swans as one of the greats. A most inspirational leader. Cheers to you!!

" THIS IS FOR THE BLOODS "
I will ever forget that.
3Qrt Time speeech Vs Saints Prelim
I will never forget that
31 mtr passes ,that never miss
I will never forget them
Geat bloke Great Captain.
All the best Kirky

Your spirituality gave you your spirit. It will live on in the spirit of the Swans. thank you.

Brett,
I grew up supporting the swans after watching Paul Kelly, Darren Cresswell and Wayne Shwass playing for them when I was a kid. When they all retired, I lost a bit of love for the swans, until you came along. You have passed Paul Kelly in my opinion as the greatest ever captain of the Sydney Swans, with your fantastic leadership, strong morals and general attitude towards everything Sydney. You have been an inspiration as a player, but even more so as a person and you will be greatly missed

Brett, I have been following the Swans and been a member since 1982 and in that time I cant say I have seen an achievent like yours in fighting back from being delisted and ending up such a champion and all round good "bloke". I know the game well having played in Victorian Country(Mildura) Sydney (Newtown and North Shore) and Port MoresbyP.N.G(Capt./Coach)for 16 seasons. I am now 80 years old and its been a great pleasure to witness your exploits. I wish you and your wife all the best in retirement and hope a role will be made available at the club in due course--Sincerely, Jim thomas.

Hi Brett,
I rang your mum today to see if the rumours were true....as a professional she said "i can't comment" lol i know she wouldn't be able to tell me but i was gutted.. i have taken so many photos of yu during the games, which i email to your mum.. anyway thankyou so much for everything you have done for the swans.. the games will not be same without you... good luck with the future to you and your family... GO SWANS 2010..
Lainie from Albury... p.s still waiting for your mum to bring you to the Post office so i can meet you... hopefully at a game ... take care
God Bless

A true blood - to me, you are, and always will be, central to that ethic. A true leader of the team and an inspiration to the fans. We are going to miss you - pass on as much as you can to the young guns coming up through the ranks.

Dear Brett I have watched your progression since those early days when you first tried out with the Swans. Like the coaches back then, I did not think you offered that much. The way you refused to be discarded and kept on coming back was a lesson to everyone - not just footballers, that anything is possible if you care enough and put the effort in.
Kirky, you are an absolute legend!

I’m a long time Swans fan, having been at the 1945 Bloodbath. I thought it so appropriate for you to inherit Ron Barassi’s (Melbourne) number 31. Your magnificent on field talents, energy and commitment have already been recognized, and greatly appreciated.
But your contribution to the club has been overwhelmingly your leadership and example. Your major contribution to the creation of the ‘bloods’ culture has made the Swans an example for all AFL teams. Our dearest hope is that your spirit and inspiration will continue …
Namatse
Graham & Verna Gilbert

The night we farewelled Paul Kelly from AFL, I didn't imagine that there'd ever be a player to equal his standing in the Sydney Swans, but then there was BRETT KIRK! Courage, Passion, Determination, SKILL, and such obvious Common Decency and Respect. All words thoroughly befitting your good self. My eyesight isn't what could be called perfect, but I can always find #31 running out on that ground! Here's hoping that Fate will bring us another PREMIERSHIP as an appropriate Farewell to our Captain Blood, as well as Roosy!! MANY Thanks Kirky, and a mighty cheer cheer!

you have made your contribution to the great swannies.. there is nothing for you to do now except pass on your great ethics to some young ones who can spend at least one year with you.love to you and your family

Thanks for the memories and Happy Trails.

Brett,
You are what makes this club what it is, and you are in my mind the most celebrated and respected player at the swans since Bob Skilton.
I was a 12 year old kid when my dad took me to the MCG from here in Tassie to watch you guys win the flag, and watching guys like you celebrate something so special lives with me to this day.
I cannot explain how important you have been in keeping the couragous bloods spirit alive.
'Cheer cheer, the red and the white.'
Thanks and goodluck mate,
O.Swain

Brett
I have long admired your grit, determination & never-say-die attitude as well as your exempelary leadership. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the club & to the game. Best wishes for your future endeavours

Brett
Not only are you an inspiration on the football field, your personal ethics are just as important in today's world. Nothing in life is easy as you can atest to. Best wishes for whatever life brings you. Cheers from the Watkins family

Kirky, I admire your courage, fearlessness and work ethic. I admire how hard but fair you play the game. I admire how you back up your team mates and treat your opponents with respect. I admire that you NEVER give up. I'm glad for the experience of having seen you play each week and I'm glad that you got to win at least one premiership before you retired (I was there at the 'G' in 2005 and it was one of the BEST days of my life). I wish you good health and happiness in the future. I hope you will still have a role afterwards with the Swans because I think you would be a great advocate for how the game SHOULD be played.

Kirky, you have been the best Swanny in recent times. Carrying on the fine tradition of fine captains like Bob Skilton and Paul Kelly. Good on you Brett

Brett, what an inspiration. Well done on such a great career and thanks for the entaining football. You will be missed. Good luck for the future. Brad

Kirky, we'll miss your fighting spirit but one cannot play footy forever. I hope you enjoy life off the field with you wife and children. I hope there is someone in the wings ready to take up your place and keep the Swannies ever moving foreward.

This is the first time I have ever left a message, blogged, or whate-ever this is....! But Brett Kirk inspires me to give it a try.....
The joy from being a Swans supporter has only been surpassed by the pride in our team over the last 10 or so years - and the main man to create the team's reputation as a formidable opponent, no matter the day, has been Brett Kirk. Thank you so much Brett, for giving everything you had, every time you stepped out on the field, and for showing a strength of character which we have been lucky to witness. It's not over yet, but I'll be bawling at the end of your last game...!

Congratulations Brett,
You have played for the Swans for as long as my family has been members we will find it strange without you. You have led by example which is the only way to do it

Hey Mate,
Thanks for all the great work over the years and all the best in the future!

Kirky you're 31 times better than the rest of the other leaders ever and you're a true hero. You're also my favourite player.

A true blood - to me, you are, and always will be, central to that ethic. A true leader of the team and an inspiration to the fans. We are going to miss you - pass on as much as you can to the young guns coming up through the ranks.

Brett you will be sadly missed, especially those uplifting speeches that you give each year at the Club Champions Dinner. All the best to you and your family.

Captain Kirk I salute you.You have been the heart and soul of this club,It has been a true honnor to see you play,You will never be forgotten,Thank You

Kirky, you are now officially a SWANS Legend. Showing what self pride & hard work can do for a team. May you be remembered as a TRUE BLOOD.

Kirky, we'll miss you so much. You're a joy to watch and an inspiration to so many, both on and off the field.We'll make the most of watching you for the rest of the year, and feel sure you still have so much to contribute in other ways. All the best

"Toughest man alive!" Kirky you are a ripper and have been a champion of this great club! All the best in your life after footy and cheers for the great memories you've given us.

To Captain Kirk, you are a great inspiration to me and many others. Go well in retirement, your inspiration, hard work and gut hardened determination will be sorely missed. Go the bloods and remember, get knocked down six times, get up seven. Thank you for all that you have done for the Sydney Swans!

Brett,
You have been my favourite player since i first starting supporting the swans. Not only are you a great football player, but a great person. Every swans game i went to, you made it better. Thankyou for all you've done for the swans and you'll will never be forgotten. Although I was upset about hearing your retirement today, and you will be sorely missed, it can't override the wonderful memories you've created during your career. Thankyou for everything and all the best for the future.

Love you Kirky. You are a Bloods Legend.

Always loved your work Kirky. Loved your style and your haircuts and your buddhism. Hope you enjoy wherever you go next.

Hey Kirky your are one of the legends of the game and you've done great things for the swans Congrats on a great carrer!!!!
Go the SWANS!!

Wishing you all the best Kirky.You will be remembered as a true Champion. Its players like you that make us proud to be Sydney Swans supporters.Sad to see you go,thanks for all the great memories.....Carmel .. Perth WA

You are one of the finest player this club has and will have. Your courage and skill and amazing if i wanted someones courage it will be yours
You Beauty

i am mber swans the is no other team like the kirk i got to meet
like swans you are so nice to the kids win the flag this year for the fans come on kirky you can do it no can but you so come on boys come good lcky for the rest of 2010

Brett,
A true hero in the eyes of all supporters and players and one that has been at the centre core of the Bloods in all ways as a player,leader and figure that leads from the heart.To Brett,Hayley and your four young children may the next chapter of your life be inspiring and good to you all.Love Kellie xx

Thanks Brett (Kirky . the ANZAC hero) for the very many gutsy games you have played for The Swans. We will never forget you!

Thank you so much for being the personification of the Bloods Spirit. Your detirmination and tenacity brought us many a victory, your grace and spirit consoled us after many a defeat. What you brought to our club was the reason we are proud to be Swans fans. Thank you for many a fine memory.

Brett, but amongst our group of bloods fans; "Brettles", or "El Capitan".
You have ALWAYS been great to watch. You have been an outstanding player, role model and captain to the team.
Thanks for the memories. We're all hoping that you will still be in the locker room mentoring the kids as they come through.
If any of your hard work, attitude and passion can rub off on them, it would be a massive bonus to the team!

1999 - Round 19 7th Aug vs North Melbourne.
I still remember my first trip to the SCG. And it turned out to be your debut game. With your big wooly mop top and some random NFL players at the start of the game, it was a night to remember.
Then many years later, at the MCG you played in a international rules game, and you gave your glove to me after the game. I still have it today.
I was also there in 2005. What a game!
Thank you for your time at Sydney, lots of memories!

Hey Kirky! What can we say? You were the first swans player that I learnt the name of! Thanks for your dedication and leadership on the field!
You will be truly missed in the red and white! The Cheer Squad won't know what to do without you in the team!!
You have been an inspiration to younger players and I hope, and I am sure others hope that you continue to help the swans with their development! what better player to help the young ones out than yourself!!
Good on ya Captain Kirk!!

Brett
I watched you play in that first game for us in the pre-season against Collingwood in Canberra. That was a great game and showed what you could do and what was to come. You have been a fantastic player and captain for our club. That address to the players at three quarter time against St Kilda in the 2005 final at the MCG was just magnificent and set up the premiership for us.
Thank you Brett for the many exciting times and great successes you have helped the team achieve. You will be missed!

Dearest Kirky
You have done and continue to do yourself, your team, parents, fans and family proud.
You are such a feisty, gorgeous, happy soul and you make me laugh the way you get in there and nut your way over, under and through the field.
Here's to having a great time for the rest of the season and will miss you greatly.
xxx

Captain Kirk ... you are a true champion and will be sorely missed. No matter what's happening on the field, you're in the right place at the right time. Your words encourage and inspire the Swannies to lift. Being a leader, you have embraced the Swannies code and ethics making you a fantastic role model to the other players and any youngster aspiring to dream of becoming an AFL player. It has been a privilege to watch you do your stuff on the field. You are my favourite player. Good luck with whatever the future holds for you.

Brett, What can i say? You're an absolute champion and have become like a father figure to me. the way you play and live your life has set an example for me that i strive to follow day in, day out. I can hardly remeber a more shining example and a player who best epitomises the sydney swans. you have gotten the best out of your seelf with your determination, heart and never-say-die attitude. the way you will yourself to the contest is the stuff of the legends. i remember you once saying that on your 'footy gravestone' that you'd hope in the trenches that we'd all be able to trust you along side us. well i can say that i certainly would as i sure the entire football community. you are without peer in relation to the amount of respect everyone has fr you, from all people in australia. even my dad ( a massive rugby league supporter) once said after watching you play, that you seemed to be able to push yourself above the limits of your physical capabilites and that he's never seen anyone do that as good as yu, or tackle as good as you. You seem to be such a great dad and husband, as i said earlier, you've set an example for me to follow. im only 20, but i hope to be more like you when im older. Brett, unfortunatley i live in melbourne, which means ive only seen you play once this year but im looking forward to coming to all the rest of the games and seeing you. as soon as i heard you were retiring i booked tickets to sydney to see you play essendon on june 6th. its always been my dream to meet my hero or at least see him play at the scg. I wish i could meet you. My email is thomgrim@tpg.com.au, please let me know if its possible, especially when im in sydney. Ive contacted the swans before but because i live in melbourne it seemed impossible for me. A massive highlight of my life was the 2005 grand final. you were fierce that day and in even in 2006 (as much as it hurts) you never gave up. your determination was so evident in those games that i beleive that you led us as close to the holy grail in 2006 as possible and in 2005 you were the inspiration and leadership we needed to get across the line, who can forget the diving mark late in the quarter? To compliment your efforts in that grand final you also won the best and fairest, it just shows what a champion you are. Once again i just want to highlght the influence you've had on people like me, not just sydney supporters but for everyone in Australia. you've shown that no matter what odds, you can overcome adversity to acheive if you put your whole heart into it. if you never say die at any obstacle and never stop trying you can acheive anything. One word to some you up...HEART! pure heart. Your Grandfather would be proud, im sure he'd want you in the trenches too. Finally, Brett good luck with your future. you should coach some day, you'd be awesome. I hope that we continue to see you in some capacity at the swans, otherwise your influence, leadership and heart will be sorely missed. It has helped shaped our culutre and bought success on and off the field. lets hope that that your legacy can continue to inspire future generations of bloods players and blood supporters to acheive similary in their lives. Speaking on behalf of many of your fans, "Brett, you're a legend, i wish you all the best for the rest of the year and in the your life. Your legacy will live on in all our hearts" Thank you for everything.

Hey Kirky,
I've never really been a fan of footy...or writing internet posts...but you've inspired both.
The way you give yourself wholeheartedly to every mark, tackle and kick demonstrates the sort of spirit that makes you one of a kind. Ýour approach to both the highs and lows of the Swans seasons are equally humble, team-focused and inspirational...who wouldn't want you around?! I'll miss having you on the screen each week - but I'll be wearing the 31 for you!
You'll be so missed, hope you can stay around in a leadership capacity and keep the kirk attitude alive.
Enjoy your retirement from football...but I'm sure this is just the start :)

Thanks for the memories Brett, you always put the team first and always put 110% effort into your games for the swans, your a true inspiration to us all, you never gave up your dream of playing AFL football and when you don't give up you succeed, loved watching every possession you had in the swans team, I wish you well for the future whatever it may hold, I'm sure you will be successful. Cheer Cheer The Red and The White!

Brett,
You are the heart and soul of the bloods, the best tagger I have ever seen, a premiership hero, truly inspirational...you will be sorely missed! Thanks for the memories Captain Kirk!

Brett: you are an absolute champion and I've loved watching you run around,Thanks for everything mate. Good luck in wherever your life takes you, i know the boys will send you out in the right fashion.

Brett,
You've been a true beacon in the game. Your unwillingness to give up; your inspiring leadership; and your kindness to those who enter your life is amazing.
It will be with great sadness that the Swans say goodbye to you. I hope you remain at the Club in some capacity.
All the best in your future endeavours. Thank you for participating so admirably.
Kind regards,
Baz.

Kirky,
So sad to see you go! You will be sorely missed. You are a true leader, and an inspiration to everyone. You're as much 'the essence of the Swans' as Paul Kelly was, and we will all miss seeing you play each week. All the best for your future!

a sad sad day for the swannies, kirky u will be missed so much. at the end of the year my brett kirk badge comes off my scarfe, but it gets placed on my special flag with the rest of the swan greats. play ur heart out where gonna miss u. Thanks for all the years (oh and the 2005 premiship)

Congratulations on a great career. You're exploits with Sydney have been a credit to yourself, the club and the game and an inspiration to all who have witnessed. I feel fortunate to have witnessed this and wish you all the best in future pursuits.

Captain Oh captain, you have always been our team's captain to me.Thankyou for the obvious guidance you have given to all our players over the years. I believe that you and Roosey have made our team a "family" and we will miss you both so much.The seeds you have planted and nourished over the years are sure to grow strongly.Swannies and AFL footy are No 1 in our house.

Brett Kirk has been one of my favorite players for many years. His courage, determination and selfless commitment to the Swans is unparalleled in the history of the club. Thank you Brett; enjoy your retirement but when we become a republic please stand for President - you are a shoe in!

Kirky what a legend of the club. You sit comfortably with Paul Kelly has one of our greatest leaders. I will never forget your game against Port in the First final 2003. Absolute Gun

Hi Brett, I want to thank you for everything you have done for our wonderful club. I have been a swans supporter for 51 years and I truly appreciate how much respect you have for our club's long history. Your bloods spirit is inspiring. You lead by example and give your heart and soul in every game. I will miss you but I wish you and your family the very best for your future. Hopefully you will stay involved in the club. THANKYOU!!!!!!!!!

Kirky congratulations on stellar career you are true champion and heart and soul of the swans.All the best in the future and thanks for the memories especially in 2005 what a legend.

Brett
This is a SAD day for all Swan Supporters. You are the Heart & soul of our club. You will be missed on & off the field. Good luck to you and your beautiful family & i hope you continue to be involved at the club.
GO BLOODS.

Hi Kirky, Well I guess we all knew that it was going to happen one day yet it still comes as a surprise and we will be enormously sad come your last day on the field. Hopefully it will be a day of elation as well as you hold the 2010 premiership cup high above your head. Cogratulations on what you have given our club and the culture you have helped develop. All best for the rest of this year and into te future.

Hello Brett,
Watching the impact you have on our team over the years has been inspirational. Few people can be as positively influential as you are. I feel as if I know you, although we have never met, and I want you to know that you are a special person to so many of us. Every time you talk to the crowd at the SCG there is a hush as we crane to hear your words. There's a lot of love for you in our club and thank you for being part of it. All we need now is another premiership this year to give you a fitting send off. Hope you always stay a Swan in some way.

TO The man known as Kirky or Captain Kirk you area a valued member of the swans team and you will be sorely missed by all, you are and will always be a True member of the Bloods and one of the swans best players ever

Brett: You are an inspiration in the way that you've always got a smile on your face. You love what you do and it shows. You will be sorely missed, but all good things come to an end.
Best wishes for whatever comes next. :)

Dear Kirky (Sorry, Brett - I feel like I've known you for years!!),
First I'd just like to say congratulations on an absolutely stellar AFL career (with a note that the best of your last season is still to come - my family and I will be watching and enjoying every minute of it!).
I'd also like to thank you for the state in which you leave the Swans. You've been instrumental in recreating the 'Bloods' culture in the Swans team and club, and you've set an example for all others to follow by living that culture every minute you've spent on the field. It is pretty rare for everyone in football (ie players, coaches, commentators and rival fans) to agree on something, but I don't doubt they'd all agree that you are a true legend of the game.
In the era of 'football players behaving badly', you've remained a team player and a champion that our kids could look up to. My son is only four months old, but when the time comes I'll be making sure he knows all about the Bloods culture and who brought it back to our footy club.
Mate, it is with heavy hearts that we'll bid you farewell at your last game at the SCG. My first ever live Swans match was Round 1 in 2005 against Richmond, and from that moment I was hooked (what a time to start really getting into the Swans huh!!). That means I've never seen a Sydney Swans match without you on the field giving some poor bugger a tough day. It simply won't be the same without you.
All the best mate - I look forward to reading the inspiring story that is Brett Kirk's AFL career! (Let me know if you need a hand writing it - I'd be happy to help :-D)
Cheers,
Rohan....

kirky u hav been a super super player for the mighty bloods, a pleasure to watch and a super person too boot!!! ur courage, ur tackling ur footy has been inspirational!!! the best tagger and tackler in the game m8 thanx for the memories and hope our boys give it their all and hav 1 last crack at it for you old buddy!!! cheers

Brett Kirk has been one of my favorite players for many years. His courage, determination and selfless commitment to the Swans is unparalleled in the history of the club. Thank you Brett; enjoy your retirement but when we become a republic please stand for President - you are a shoe in!

BRETT KIRK, you are a true red blooded swan and l would like to thank you for everything you have given to the Sydney Swans, you are one of the most courageous players l have seen and you wear your heart on your sleeve everytime you step onto the playing field. It has been a pleasure watching you play for the MIGHTY RED & WHITE. All the best in whatever you do after football, you will be missed

Thankyou so much for all you have done for the club, the game, and in particular the supporters like myself. You will always be remembered as one of the greats alongside Paul Kelly, & Plugga. My only wish is that the team comes through for you & you finish things in style holding that Great Mug up in the sky on the last Saturday in September...
Thanks Again, Good Bye & Good Luck With What Ever You Do Next Kirky, Hope You Stick Around The Club.

I'm not one for submitting entries into these sorts of things but I'll make an exception for an exceptional bloke. Thanks for all that you've done and all that you've given to our club. Not only have you set an incredible example on the field but you're enduring legacy will be what you've done as a mentor and father figure to those around you not just as a footballer, but as a man.

Your contribution to the Bloods culture is surely unequalled.

Mate, thanks somehow doesn't seem like enough.
I look forward to seeing you go around over the next 14 rounds and hopefully a few finals and I sincerely hope you'll be involved with the Swans for many years to come.
My best wishes for life after footy to you, Haley and the kids.

Brett, I can't believe you're leaving us. I have to say it feels very similar to when Paul Kelly announced his retirement. The same sense of loss, not only because we are losing one of our best players but also because of the amazing strength you obviously bring to the club and the joy you bring to the supporters. I think I can safely say that all of the club is extremely proud and greatful to have called you our own. C'mon the Bloods!

Thank you so much for all your hard work Captain Kirk you are one of the key players that got me into this game. I would watch games of English football and see grown men who looked liked they have killed people before, cry because their team had lost just one game. I wanted to feel passion like that in a sport and because of you and the swans I found it thank you, I will be a blood till death and really appreciate all the effort you put into every game. With every game you have not faulted going hard for every ball and making sure the person who were on looked like an average player constantly, just a solid effort always. It will be very different watching a game without you all the best to you and your family for the future cheers.

Brett Kirk you a champion and a legend of the sydney swans. thankyou for being such an inspirational figure and a amazing captain!

when ever i watch the swans play and i see number 31 it makes me smile & many other swans fans aswell. you are my mums favourite player and a standout on the field. The amount of effort you into your game and the team is incredible. you fought hard to persue your afl career & you have become an icon of the sydney swans and the afl.

i wish you werent retiring and hanging up the boots! but thank you for the memories especially your part in the 2005 grandfinal, i will never forget that :)

all the best for the future, for both you and your family.

Thanks Kirky for all the great memories. You are one of the real greats. Lets have another premiership before you go. Im sure all the Swans fans in WA agree that you are an inspiration to us to keep supporting the Mighty Bloods. How about coaching in the future. All the best!

Ive said this for some time to many people.. if ever i could come back as a footballer it would be as Brett Kirk...you will be missed but never forgotten Blood Brother

Brett Kirk you a champion and a legend of the sydney swans. thankyou for being such an inspirational figure and a amazing captain!

when ever i watch the swans play and i see number 31 it makes me smile & many other swans fans aswell. you are my mums favourite player and a standout on the field. The amount of effort you into your game and the team is incredible. you fought hard to persue your afl career & you have become an icon of the sydney swans and the afl.

i wish you werent retiring and hanging up the boots! but thank you for the memories especially your part in the 2005 grandfinal, i will never forget that :)

all the best for the future, for both you and your family.

good luck brett in your retirement,we will miss you in the team,you have been a joy to watch. GO THE SWANS!!!!! premiers this year.

Thanks Kirky for all the great memories. You are one of the real greats. Lets have another premiership before you go. Im sure all the Swans fans in WA agree that you are an inspiration to us to keep supporting the Mighty Bloods. How about coaching in the future. All the best!

My favourite player of all time. An absolute superstar of our game! Im sure all AFL (not just swans) supporters will be sad to see you go. I hope your farewell game is on the last weekend of september, i know ill be there if it is!

Brett, you'll be sincerely missed! We all love watching you play, and the spirit and skills you bring to every game is simply great to watch. Good luck!

We will miss you Kirky but bodies can't last forever however much we would like them to. Your have brought a lot of class to the AFL sport. Hope your after footy life will be happy and fulfilling. At least we have you for the rest of the season. Good Luck.

Brett,
First of all I need to tell you that you will be sorely missed not just on-field but off-field aswell. You're one of the good guys,Somebody a kid can look up to and aspire to be and that quality is becoming more rare by the day with all sports players. You showed passion for your clubs heritage and provided leadership which is almost unseen in this day and age. What I liked about you most was your undying love for everything to do with the South Melbourne/Sydney Swans organization.You were a true inspiration to many during your career and I'm sure you will continue to inspire people after it. I wish you all the very best for your future.You've earned it Mate.
Long Live Captain Blood.

contrataltions on a wonderful career and enjoy the rest of your playing career hope the swans can send you out on a premiership win

Brett, you have moved me and my family in so many ways. Your leadership, strength and kind spirit has amazed me and deepened my pride for our club.
You have also challenged me in my personal life to do better with what I have and try harder for success.
May your family and yourself have nothing but love and good fortune ahead of yourselves. Thanks and I look forward to seeing you and yours around the club for years to come.

Brett,
You have been such a fantastic ambassador for Albury, and a fantastic tribute to the spirit of the Swans. We will miss you, and we hope you find a way to stay omvolved in the clunand pass on your love of the red and white to young players.
Michelle
Swans Albury Wodonga

I was born in Sydney, grew up in South Melbourne,a Swans tragic for 60 years. Brett, you have carried the colours in a direct line from Bob Skiltern through Paul Kelly to the Bloods of today. You are the holder of the sacred urn, the inner culture of a club that wouldn't die and is now a unique team in Australian sport. Love your and can't thank you enough. Finish it off in style and hold your head high.

Hello Brett,
Watching the impact you have on our team over the years has been inspirational. Few people can be as positively influential as you are. I feel as if I know you, although we have never met, and I want you to know that you are a special person to so many of us. Every time you talk to the crowd at the SCG there is a hush as we crane to hear your words. There's a lot of love for you in our club and thank you for being part of it. All we need now is another premiership this year to give you a fitting send off. Hope you always stay a Swan in some way.

31 has always been a special number for me...I was born on the 31st and live at number 31 and of course then there is YOU!!! Our number 31.



You have been my favourite player now for many years...number 31...a true legend of the game!



Kirky, you have made an OUTSTANDING contribution to 'our' team! Today is such a sad day for me. I do hope that you have great things in store for your future! How bout another premiership to go out on a high!! :)

Love your work!

Kiiirky!
Feel no sadness in your on-field career coming to an end. The amount of energy, passion and pride you've injected into this Club will never be forgotten by any football fan. It's a time to knuckle down again and enjoy the rest of the season. Make it count from here in, and then reflect back on all the good years.
The word gets tossed around a bit these days but you are dead set an out and out champion. You and your Family should be proud. All the best in the future! I hope you remain a part of our great Club!

would like to say thank you kirky for what you have done for our football club we all love you as a player and you are the most respected players i have met.good luck to you and your family and hope you have lived your dream and find more dreams after football.

I'm going to cry.
Whoda thought????
We're really going to miss your passion Kirky. Thanks heaps mate.

Brett, congratulations on an outstanding career with the Swans. Your passion and leadership of the club has no peer. You have been a role model for all those at your beloved 'Bloods'. I am sure your legacy will live on at the club and I only hope the Swans administration have plans for you into the future. The Swans cannot afford to lose someone of your character to another club.
Thankyou for all the times you put your body on the line eg Preliminary 2005 vs StKilda and all the best for you and your family in the future.

Your the reason I became a Swans supporter! All the best and please consider just one more season!!

brett, you were truly a blood.hope whatever you do in the future gives you happiness

Brett
Great to see a New South Welshman do so well for the Swans.Well done Champion.
The 2005 Premiership/Flag was terrifc.
Good Luck in your future to you and your family and will you be returing to Albury?
Thank you very much indeed Brett.

Kirky, you stand along side Paul Kelly and Bob Skilton as one of the greatest ever to play for the Bloods. Your leadership and character transcend the sport. Fans, team mates and anyone associated with the Swans have been blessed to have you as the man who stands above all other leaders across all sports. Well done on a magnificent career both on and of the field. You actually are a legend.

Brett,

I have long admired your courage, work rate, attitude, leadership and most of all your strong values which has permeated through the club. I hope you will stay with the club in some capacity in the future. You are a great warrior and enjoy the rest of the season

An absolute legend to the game and to Sydney Swans Football Club. Thank you BRETT KIRK!

GO YOU GREAT BLOODSTAINED ANGEL

please dont go........

miss you already :(

Kirky, you stand along side Paul Kelly and Bob Skilton as one of the greatest ever to play for the Bloods. Your leadership and character transcend the sport. Fans, team mates and anyone associated with the Swans have been blessed to have you as the man who stands above all other leaders across all sports. Well done on a magnificent career both on and of the field. You actually are a legend.

Captain Kirk you're an absolute legend. Best wishes in your retirement from footy.

True Champion

Bless Kirky, and eventually farewell to the gentleman of the Swans AFL Club. I have enjoyed every step of the way with you, going way back to Feb 1999, and 2001 when I told you I believed you would make it big, it was just a matter of time. I was right. The lexicon in this family is "He got up, He just got up!". I try to live by that. So from someone you wouldn't know from a bar of soap, thanks for your guidance and inspiration. There you go, bet you never thought you would have an influence on someone like me, way up in the stands. But you did. Do.

Brett - thank you. You helped transform a good club into a great one. A club that stands for something - for both players and fans alike. You defined what it means to be a member of the Bloods Brotherhood ... and long may that legacy continue. Go well.

"CAPTAIN BLOOD", your definantly up there as one of the most inspirational, courageous leaders in AFL/VFL history, you will never be forgotten, thanks for the premiership in '05, all the best in the next chapter of your life.

Hi Kirky, I live in Geelong and you waived to us last week from the Sheraton , you are my favourite player and I am the only one who barracks for the swans at my school. I am going to come up and watch your last game at the SCG. From Sam

You are a legend. You will be missed and the team will not be the same with you. Best of luck with all wonderful things to come... Cheers.

Brett Kirk! As a recent recruit to Swans fandom, I missed the excitement of 2005 and 2006, but have loved watching you play from the first game I attended. Then I discovered that I was fan number 27,385,273. I can't believe we only have you for...17 more games?! Enjoy the rest of the season, and know that you are much loved and respected by AFL fans everywhere. Just one question - does Superman really wear Brett Kirk pyjamas? Namaste, Kirky!

Brett Kirk has been one of my favorite players for many years. His courage, determination and selfless commitment to the Swans is unparalleled in the history of the club. Thank you Brett; enjoy your retirement but when we become a republic please stand for President - you are a shoe in!

captain kirk, what a lengend..i will miss you..hope you stay on at the club, if not good luck with the next chapter of your life..

Well played Brett. Thankyou soo much for being such a loyal blood brother for soo long. You've given so much to us supporters and embody what it truely means to be a sydney swans/south melbourne footballer. Stay Well

Brett: You have been a joy to watch over the years and we're going to miss your courage, your leadership and your impish smile (among other things). And I, too, think you are the spunkiest guy on the field at present!

I hope you continue in some capacity with the Swans when you finally hang up the boots. You would make an excellent mentor for the youngsters coming through.

Brett,
I am a 4th generation South Melbourne/Sydney Swans supporter/member from south of the border. My whole life has pretty much been about the swans, my first gift i ever received after being born was a little Swan with a Swans jumper on, Sid, still have him to this day..21 years on. You have done so much for us supporters and the club, to the point to when i heard this today i actually teared up a little. Myself and my family were lucky enough to attend the 2005 Grand Final (won't bring up 2006). A day that because of you, i will never forget. Never hugged so many strangers that felt like brothers in my life. My grandfather, who turns 87 this year went to the 1933 Grand Final.. he also came to the game with us in 2005. As soon as the siren sounded and you dedicated the win to the old bloods he burst into tears uncontrollably and said "I never thought I'd see them win another one". But now, he has. I don't know why and I never usually write stuff like this but i felt i had to. So thanks for everything Kirky, the ups, the downs, the wins and the losses. I'll never forget watching you play as long as I live. Forever Captain Blood. 31.

Thankyou so much for all you have done for the club, the game, and in particular the supporters like myself. You will always be remembered as one of the greats alongside Paul Kelly, & Plugga. My only wish is that the team comes through for you & you finish things in style holding that Great Mug up in the sky on the last Saturday in September...
Thanks Again, Good Bye & Good Luck With What Ever You Do Next Kirky, Hope You Stick Around The Club.

All the best Kirky, we will miss you greatly, you are an inspiration to all at the Swans. Thanks for keeping the Bloods culture alive for all of us Melbourne supporters.

On life's journey faith is nourishment, virtuous deeds are a shelter, wisdom is the light by day and right mindfulness is the protection by night.
If a man lives a pure life nothing can destroy him;
If he has conquered greed nothing can limit his freedom.
Hope that life after the game is all you want it to be!

2010 is Kirky's year

You are one of the successes that has come out of the red and white. You've taught me how to go hard for the ball and not be afraid, thanks.

kirky mate you're the heart and soul of the sydney swans. i'd like to wish you all the best for the future and good luck for the rest of the season hopefully you and the boys can take home the premiership. SYDNEY SWANS 2010 PREMIERS!

One word... Freaking Legend. Its a sad day. Good luck big fella.

A fantastic player, truly inspiring and one of a kind. We'll never have another one like you and wish you the best of luck in the future Kirky! 'Carn the Bloods'

It was sad news to hear a true legand of the football club is hanging up his boots, To Kirky you will live in the hearts of all the fans of the Sydney Swans we hope you will hang around to pass on your wisdom to the younger guys comming thru the ranks.
From a Devoted Fan
Andrew Watson WA

Kirky what else can be said? A wonderful human being, not just a footballer but as a person. The SOUL you have brought to the swans will be forever treasured and I speak from the heart and say I love you man! The swans have a new bloods culture which will live for a lifetime thanks to both you and roosy. My only regret is not seeing you hoist the cup with roosy in 05..maybe this year? :)
SSFC please offer him a gig as an assistant..my heart will break if i see him in non bloods attire.

Brett,
I am a 4th generation South Melbourne/Sydney Swans supporter/member from south of the border. My whole life has pretty much been about the swans, my first gift i ever received after being born was a little Swan with a Swans jumper on, Sid, still have him to this day..21 years on. You have done so much for us supporters and the club, to the point to when i heard this today i actually teared up a little. Myself and my family were lucky enough to attend the 2005 Grand Final (won't bring up 2006). A day that because of you, i will never forget. Never hugged so many strangers that felt like brothers in my life. My grandfather, who turns 87 this year went to the 1933 Grand Final.. he also came to the game with us in 2005. As soon as the siren sounded and you dedicated the win to the old bloods he burst into tears uncontrollably and said "I never thought I'd see them win another one". But now, he has. I don't know why and I never usually write stuff like this but i felt i had to. So thanks for everything Kirky, the ups, the downs, the wins and the losses. I'll never forget watching you play as long as I live. Forever Captain Blood. 31.

Best Wishes for the future Kirky and thanks for the memories

Good old kirky,
What a role model you are, not only to me, but for the whole AFL community. You took blood like it was red sweat, Swannies for 2010 mate, we might struggle a bit after as we're left without you
Thanks for everything

Brett kirk is an inspiration to us all showing us where hard work and perseverence can get you. I only hope that we can find a worthy replacement.

A great leader, a fair and brave player, and a good Buddhist! You have alot to be proud of.
Best wishes

Brett, from the time before you played with the seniors when you, as an up and coming player, went with Brad Seymour to Westmead Children's hospital to spend time with my nephew who had cancer until this end part of your career when you have been a true leader of the Bloods' troops, you have been an inspiration to those of us who love the game and love the Swans. All the very best in these last few weeks of your playing career and for your future.

Brett,
A true champion of the game! Someone who has truly left the game better for being involved. Captain Kirk, you are a true legend of the swans and of the AFL. Please consider being an Assistant Coach and possibly coaching in the years to come.

Kirky, you are the heart and soul of the Swans, all the best mate.

Congrats Kirky on your outstanding career as a blood. Your efforts will long be remembered by all supporters and fans of the game.
Your a deadset legend!

Thankyou so much for all you have done for the club, the game, and in particular the supporters like myself. You will always be remembered as one of the greats alongside Paul Kelly, & Plugga. My only wish is that the team comes through for you & you finish things in style holding that Great Mug up in the sky on the last Saturday in September...
Thanks Again, Good Bye & Good Luck With What Ever You Do Next Kirky, Hope You Stick Around The Club.

Captain Kirk - live long and prosper ...in your life after footy!! You're a legend and will be deeply missed from the Swans lineup

Brett,
I was truly saddened when I read the news announcing your retirement. However, I feel priveleged to have been able to witness you play in Swans colours for so many years. The way you give 100% every week & play with passion & pride is a true inspiration to all. You will be missed!

Kirky
You are my favorite alltime player. You show great courage and desire to win everytime you go out to play. Without you we never would have got that premiership. A true legend of the club who will never be forgotten.

Brett,
Thank you for everything. You are one of the club's greatest players and an inspiration to all Swans supporters and to the playing group. I will never forget how happy you looked in your sunglasses the day after the boys won the flag! All the very best in your future endeavours.

Hey Brett Kirk
You are the best player and true hero someone who goes in hard for the ball. You going to be missed on the field and off. You are are my favorite player. I going to miss u. But I hope you can stay and help out with the Swans.
Thank you Kirk for winning the hard ball because you do that so well. i am going to miss you.
Number 31 will always be your number. I love 31 for life
Jayde Lucas

Thank you for all the great memories. You are a true legend of the game but it is your integrity both on and off that field that has made you someone I truly admire. As a Perth girl, it is players like yourself and Paul Kelly who have made me a die-hard Swannies supporter. I was lucky enough to get to the 2005 Grand Final which I will never forget, and I now live in Sydney so can cheer you on each week! I'll be shedding a tear or two come the last game of 2010! I'm sure you will continue to inspire in whatever your future brings : )

Hi Brett (aka Captain Courageous),
>Thank you for your Blood Brother spirit and for playing with all your heart week after week after week. Mr Reliability and Mr Dependability should be your name!
Best wishes to you and your family and I hope you will continue with the Swans in some capacity after you're retirement - the young guys starting out need to know and live "The Blood Culture". Cheers.

Captain kirk A huge thank you for what you have given this club. your a real legend and a gentlemen. It has given me great delight wacthing you play a courageous game. Your efforts over these year have really help the club.You will be missed.Best luck. You will never be forgotten.

Brett,
Thank you for everything. You are one of the club's greatest players and an inspiration to all Swans supporters and to the playing group. I will never forget how happy you looked in your sunglasses the day after the boys won the flag! All the very best in your future endeavours.

Hi Brett (aka Captain Courageous),
Thank you for your Blood Brother spirit and for playing with all your heart week after week after week. Mr Reliability and Mr Dependability should be your name!
Best wishes to you and your family and I hope you will continue with the Swans in some capacity after you're retirement - the young guys starting out need to know and live "The Blood Culture". Cheers.

Hey Captain kirk,
Thanks for giving the Swans your talent, dedication, determination, humility, loyalty, passion and drive. You truly are the centre of the Bloods culture and thanks to you we have the greatest club culture in the world. Thanks for showing us that with a bit of determination and hard work, we can get anywhere. You are an inspiration to all. I burst into tears when I read you were retiring. I hope you stay on, because the Swans won't be the same if you go. Good luck with everything you do, and many blessings to you and your family.
Cheers, Clare Haddad

Kirky,
Ive been a fan all my life, the way you go about the game is unrivaled and completely unique. You play with heart more then any player ive ever seen, easily the hardest man in football.
I moved to albury in 2002 and played for north albury aswell, i actually played with a young relative of yours there. and i to this day the whole club is incredibly proud of your achievements.
Dont know what else to say mate, but thank you for the memories! You will be sorely missed.

Hi Brett (aka Captain Courageous),
Thank you for your Blood Brother spirit and for playing with all your heart week after week after week. Mr Reliability and Mr Dependability should be your name!
Best wishes to you and your family and I hope you will continue with the Swans in some capacity after you're retirement - the young guys starting out need to know and live "The Blood Culture". Cheers.

You made watching football fun again Brett. You even made my girlfriend interested in watching the football!
You're a true swans legend, and you'll be sorely missed.
Best of luck for your future.

Thank you Brett for the wonderful contribution you have made to the Swans, you are just as good as Paul Kelly with your courage and determination. May life treat you and your family well.... :P

Brett, Thanks for the hard yards.You will be remembered for being the anchor in our premiership year 2005. Your ability to lead men on the field by example has been second to none. I hope you stay at the club to mentor the new kids and teach what can be achieved with determination. Very sad day for all swans’ fans. ALL THE BEST - SWANS PREMIERS 2010 LET DO IT FOR KIRKY BOYS.

Hi Brett, good luck for the rest of the season and enjoy your retirement at the end of the season you will be sadly missed at the swans i am an old sth melbourne supporter.

Hi Brett,
>I would just like to say that you are a true inspiration to all those people who have tried to do things but have not had the determination and desire that you have shown all throughout your career. You are an inspiration to Sydney Swans fans, AFL fans and many people around Australia. It is devestating that you are retiring but I hope you continue to be involved with the club. It would be great to see you as an Assistant Coach next year and possibly coaching the Bloods in 3 or 4 years time. I believe you would be a great man for the job. You have what it takes to be a great coach; work ethic, desire to succeed, a great football brain and most importantly a true understanding of the culture a football club, or any sports team for that matter should have. I hope you have a great end to your career and the 'boys' are able to do something special for you to finish off your career. Thanks for the memories and thanks once again for being one of the Bloods.
Steve

Hi Brett (aka Captain Courageous),
Thank you for your Blood Brother spirit and for playing with all your heart week after week after week. Mr Reliability and Mr Dependability should be your name!
Best wishes to you and your family and I hope you will continue with the Swans in some capacity after you're retirement - the young guys starting out need to know and live "The Blood Culture". Cheers.

Gday Kirky. Thankyou very much for your involment in our great club. your ability to fight against adversity, has been a inspiration to us all. Seeing you after winning and losing two Grand Finals at lakeside oval, summed up your dignity, win lose or draw. You were right there to the end. Thankyou for persisting. Enjoy the more time with your wife and kids brother.

Congrats on a brilliant career Kirky. You've always gone hard at the ball,have been a leader on and off the field and you are one of the main reasons why footy in Sydney has taken off in a big way. It's been a pleasure to watch you play. Thanks for the premiership and all the best. Scott

Brett
You are a true hero! Your heart in all aspects of the game and life are an inspiration to me.
Thanks Rodney xxx

Thanks for the memories Brett, for the courage, fortitude and sportmanship that you have displayed at all times, you are an inspiration to all yet to come.

You are a special player, the team won't be the same without you. Good luck in whatever you do after football.

thank u soooooo much for being a part of such a great team and contributing to the club in so many ways..you have always been my favourite player and i will miss watching you work your magic on the field.please stay close to the swans. xxx

Kirky,

Ive been a fan all my life, the way you go about the game is unrivaled and completely unique. You play with heart more then any player ive ever seen, easily the hardest man in football.

I moved to albury in 2002 and played for north albury aswell, i actually played with a young relative of yours there. and i to this day the whole club is incredibly proud of your achievements.

Dont know what else to say mate, but thank you for the memories! You will be sorely missed.

Passion is what you have given!
Courage is what you have shown!
You are the leader of this club and it will be shown wether you are on or of this field!
Thank You for making us Proud!

xx
Soph

you will be very sadly missed kirky. thanks for the great times on the couch watching your awesome skills. you are a very talented footballer. best wishes for the future. xxoo

Brett,
You are a true champion of the game and of the Sydney football club. All the best in your future endeavours after football. Thanks mate.

Sad to see you retire Brett, but proud of the way you represented the club throughout your career, makes me proud to be a Swans supporter. I will never forget those famous words you yelled into the microphone when you received your premiership medallion. All the best for the future and I hope you will continue to follow the red and white for many years to come.

Hi Brett,
You have been a fantastic player for our club and I have enjoyed watching you all play.
Wishing you all the best in whatever you do. xx

Brett , you are one of the most respected players in AFL. I know so many people who look up to you for your courage and you style of play to turn around a game and your inspiration to keep the team going. You will be sadly missed but surely not forgotten. You are right up there as one of the greats in AFL! Best of wishes for the rest of the season which i know the swans will play their hardest to win for you!
meagan

Brett
A true inspiration and the most courageous player I have seen.Will miss you on the field,you have given us many highlihgts in your great career.Hoping we can give you a good retirement in at least making the finals this year.
Good luck

You are a true legend of the club! You will be missed. Especially by my girlfriend who reckons you were the best looker on the team!

Kirky you are a true gentleman of sport, no matter what code you have lit the way with passion, respect and dedication...I'll be watching you from the stands on Saturday..."This is for the Bloods"!!!!!

Gday Mate,
Thanx for the years of effort for our great club , youve been a great leader and inspiration for all. Thanx for the premiership and the memories. Good luck in your future endevours! on ya champ!

Thanks Brett for showing courage and grace. You have help mould a team which is now taken seriously
Good luck in the future

Thanks Kirky,
Your determination to make yourself a better person to become a better footballer is an example I often mention to my AFL-playing kids. Best luck for whatever comes next.

Brett
In my nine years of membership, I am yet to see someone as courageous as you. You never miss an opportunity to get in and under the ball, and you always put your body on the line. Not only do you give it your best every week, but you represent the Sydney Swans and their culture. The contribution that you have given to the Swans has helped create a strong, successful team that will forever remember a legend like you.
Thanks for the memories.

Ah, Captain Kirk, an almost impossibly talented and determined footballer, and the most aesthetically pleasing to boot (Ha). You will be missed on the ground and from the stands.

Thanks, Brett. Your attitude and commitment have shaped our great club this whole decade. Your approach to the "Bloods Mantra" has been as profound as it has been subtle. You exude what we Swans fans love about our club. Please leave a well written manual on how to do it in your locker when you leave?
Go well.
Alan, John, Graham and Shannon Hayes

Hi Brett,
There were two great marks in the last quarter in '05. Obviously Leo's but I especially remember your diving chest mark in our back Line late in that game. Hope you stick around the club in some capacity.

Brett,
You are a true sporting hero and an inspiration to the fans. Some of my fondest memories will be of you running around the SCG tackling people into the ground and leaving it all out on the field for the bloods. You were our captain and the undeniable leader on the field. a pleasure to watch and the hardest man in the league. I am sad today that you are retiring but so proud that i have had the opportunity to watch one of the true greats of this club play.
Chris

Hi Brett,
Thanks for all the hard yards you have put in over the years mate. You are a real gentleman of the game, a pleasure to watch week in, week out and we will surely miss you! Best wishes for the remainder of what I hope is a long season and beyond!

Brett, I was sad when I saw your retirement announcement on the Swans website today. You have been a fantastic leader of our club and have brought the boys together with the Blood Brother spirit. Can I also congratulate Hayley on her contribution to the club through her articles on the website. You obviously have a fantastic family and I wish you all the best for your future. Hopefully 2010 will bring the Swans more success on the field and add to your fond memories.