Sydney Swans Hall of Famer and Swans Team of the Century member Tony Morwood has penned a tribute to long-time supporter Mary King, who passed away recently at the age of 93.

Mary was an ardent Swans fan and someone who I got to know well during my time as a player and administrator at the club.

In 1982, when South Melbourne Football Club kicked off the national AFL movement and began basing their home games in Sydney, Mary was a regular in the Ladies Stand at the SCG, barracking for the newly formed Sydney Swans and supporting her dear nephew Anthony Daniher.

While her two youngest daughters accompanied her to most games, extended family were often there and participated in the post-game after parties with the Swans players and their friends.

There were many big players with big hair in those early years, and memorable wins including the fabulous 1989 State of Origin game, where NSW was victorious over the Victorians. It was particularly special for Mary, as it was the one and only time that all 4 Daniher brothers – Terry, Neale, Ants and Chris – played together on the field.

Her official Swans membership seating was set up in 1996 and she would not think twice about going to a game on her own if other family members weren’t around, such was her dedication to live football.

Mary and her daughter Liz had season tickets in the O’Rielly stand, which they enjoyed and often had extended family and friends join them for a day out.

She had tickets to the 2012 Grand Final and unfortunately wasn’t able to make it due to unexpected surgery. She watched the nail-biting win from the comfort of her hospital bed.

Later that year, the 2005 premiership cup made a cameo for a family reunion in what was a fabulously fun afternoon for all.

At the end of the 2015 season, Mary had a wish to offer a personal farewell to Adam Goodes. She had always admired his skill and sportsmanship and had watched him endure a very tough year. 

Mary, her son John and daughter Liz, who were lucky to get tickets to the annual Bob Skilton Club Champion dinner, arrived early and “worked” the room including a special farewell to Goodsey.

While Mary was unable to continue attending games in person over the past two seasons, she continued to watch every match from home and used her ‘clapper’ every time the Swans scored a goal.

Mary King died on 1 November 2020, All Saints Day. She was a beloved family woman and always Proudly Sydney!