The Swans slid from a premiership and third spot in 2005 to fourth in 2006 and seventh place last year, but new co-captain Craig Bolton left fans in no doubt about the club’s goals in a passionate speech.
“This jumper here is more than just cotton-polyester,”
“This is our armour. This is a bond between each of us and the bloke we run out alongside. This is a reminder of our great club.
“Already many in the football fraternity have given reasons for why we can't be a threat this year. For us, we prefer not to see these as reasons but as excuses. Great teams with great people will always win more. And within the Bloods' culture, excuses are not acceptable.
“The fabric of any club is not determined by the size of its trophy cabinet nor its bottom line. It's in the people. We are blessed to have an organisation at all levels who carry out their roles with respect, honesty and integrity.”
Club best and fairest Brett Kirk saluted the club’s record in looking after its new generation.
“As a club we pride ourselves on welcoming, developing and nurturing new players,” he said.
“We also have a close relationship with the parents of our players.
“This is why we will continue to have our player welfare regarded as the best in the AFL and we hope that you feel comfortable in the knowledge that your sons are playing in one, if not the most, professional outfit in the AFL.”
Kirk also touched on the contribution made by all at the Swans, not just the playing list. He singled out Rick Quade, the club great who stood down from the Swans' board recently after 38 years with the club.
“Rick has been an outstanding player, coach, leader and administrator,” said Kirk. “He was appointed the coach of the inaugural side in
In a slight departure from previous years, the 2008 guernseys were handed out by members of the Swans' leadership group: Craig Bolton, Brett Kirk, Barry Hall, Leo Barry, Adam Goodes, Luke Ablett, Tadhg Kennelly and Ryan O’Keefe.
