For the first time in nearly 40 years, the iconic QBE logo will be absent from the Sydney Swans guernsey this Saturday (19 July) at the SCG – replaced by hand-drawn hearts created by children from Save the Children Australia and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF).
Each of the 23 Sydney Swans players in Saturday’s match against North Melbourne will wear a guernsey featuring a unique heart design, hand-drawn by a child, celebrating the club’s youngest and bravest fans on one of the biggest stages in Australian sport.
The initiative also celebrates the work of QBE Foundation’s community partner, Save the Children Australia, and the Sydney Swans Premier Partner, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation – bringing the strength and stories of these children to the forefront for fans across the country.
QBE Foundation Chair and Chief Financial Officer, Chris Esson reflects on the initiative, highlighting what can be achieved when QBE, the Swans and their partners come together with a shared purpose.
“Each heart is a personal expression from a child who helped bring this moment to life. It’s a simple yet powerful way to acknowledge the communities we support and the values we share. Our partners are a vital part of that story – they’re at the heart of QBE, and we are proud to see that come to life on the field.”
Sydney Swans CEO, Tom Harley said the children and families whose hearts are featured on the guernseys will also attend Saturday’s match, where they will experience running out with the team as junior mascots.
“This is about more than football – having these children’s hearts on our guernseys is special for our team. It’s a powerful way to celebrate their stories, their strength and the community that supports them. It’s a terrific initiative from QBE and we are looking forward to seeing it come to life.”
SCHF Director of Brand, Marketing and Communications, Ellen Marshall, added the collaboration has brought immense joy to the families.
“At Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, we believe every child deserves the chance to thrive, both in hospital and beyond. Our partnership with the Sydney Swans has helped make that possible for patients and their families over the past three years.
For our young patients, seeing their hand-drawn hearts on the Swans guernsey is a moment of pride, joy and connection. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when sport and community come together with purpose.”
54 reasons Director, NSW and TAS, Claudia Lennon, part of the Save the Children Australia Group, said the initiative gave children the chance to feel recognised, valued and connected beyond their daily challenges.
“At Save the Children Australia, we work to give every child the chance to thrive – and through 54 reasons, our service delivery arm in Australia, this partnership has given our kids a moment to shine. Seeing their hearts proudly displayed on the Swans guernsey has filled them with pride, joy and a deep sense of belonging.”
Each of the bespoke guernseys will be signed by the player who wore it and auctioned off by the Sydney Swans, with all proceeds going directly to Save the Children Australia and Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.
Footy fans can bid on the one-of-a-kind guernseys via the Swans’ official memorabilia HERE.
