I have supported the Swans since they came to Sydney as a result of the relocation of the South Melbourne Football Club. A ‘bloods transfusion’ if you will.
The AFL decided that they needed a Sydney team to strengthen their nationwide image – as well as to get better value for their TV coverage.
As an SCG member I liked the idea of somewhere to spend my winter weekend afternoons, and embraced the idea enthusiastically.
At first, it was a hard road.
The Swans lost far more than they won, and I had to endure the victory songs of all of the old-establishment Melbourne clubs over and over again.
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But gradually, after a long procession of losing coaches, Sydney started to win – even making a grand final, against North Melbourne (if only Paul Kelly had hit that pass to Tony Locket).
In 2005, Leo Barry ensured we had a flag and since then, it has been mainly up there Cazaly – great family afternoons among the red and white, with a fun atmosphere, where there was hardly any aggro.
They were so successful that the AFL decided to award them most of their games at night, which was great for ratings, but not good for the young kids and lovers of afternoon football.
The only true afternoon game is against the Suns, on Saturday – all other games are at night.
And only vampires go out at night, not even a ‘Bloods’ sucker.
UptheBloods
Guest
Blame the umpies for 2014 debacle? NEVER heard one Swans supporter say that one mate.
Wang
Guest
Keep Sydney open
andyl12
Guest
The Swans' 2014 Grand Final thrashing showed how strong the "Bloods Culture" really was against sides that had model cultures of their own. Although I know plenty of Swans fans still blame that one on the umpires.
Jewels
Roar Rookie
Yep dear old Gil and his cronies at AFL HQ, putting the fans LAST since 2014.... BTW great idea RichieTiger, think in particular it would be a boon for Suns.
Joe B
Guest
Perth teams own the Sunday afternoon slot this season, including 2 western derbies. The timezone does help us considerably with family friendly finish times, but I would like Freo to get some Saturday games next season... other than 11.30am in Tassie.
IAP
Guest
Geez it must be hard being a Swans supporter, when everyone is out to get you.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Agreed. Night games all the time suck. Even more annoying the 7.50 start on friday nights.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
I understand sponsors love the night games (particularly on a Thursday/Friday night), but the fans don't. Getting to the SCG on time after work is just about impossible. Notice the crowd is usually still coming in until about 1/4 time. I understand the commercial realities, but sharing the timeslots around a little more equally would be nice.
MG
Roar Rookie
Last year I thought it was compensation for the umpiring stealing the flag. It was a ratings success so they've doubled up this year. Good for the sponsors.
Tim
Guest
can't take my 7 year old to a night game. He falls asleep at half time. Stuff the chase for ratings give the fans who go to the games some variety.
RT
Roar Rookie
In the early days Sydney played on Sunday afternoons. If they did something similar for GWS and Gold Coast it might help establish a regular supporter base.
sydneygirl
Guest
Heartily agree. And here’s another Sydney supporter who would like afternoon games instead of evenings.
Roger of Sydney
Guest
Well said, I am so excited about this Saturday , doing lunch first and then on the Fat Yaks in the members, and home by 6.00pm . Now that is a good day out, perhaps made better by being a collingwood game or the likes
pioneer
Guest
As a Swans member I have noticed this too this year - I would much prefer 'traditional' arvo games (I have missed plenty of night games this year; games on Thursday night in Sydney - really?), but then I suspect most AFL fans probably feel the same about their clubs. I suppose we should see the proliferation of night games as 'reward' for how well the Swans have been doing - although I had thought the price of success was the removal of COLA and keeping us out of the draft for a year.