There are plenty of people who have pulled on the red and white to play for the South Melbourne/Sydney Swans but in this modern age of trades and back room deals, club loyalty stands out a mile. It’s nice for us, as fans who are loyal through ups and downs, to see players who will celebrate the wins and struggle through the losses just like us. This installment deals with those who have played for the Swans for at least ten seasons and ended their career in Sydney. Further installments will deal with those who ended their career prior to the move from South Melbourne and those who came from other clubs to call the Swans home. It has been my privilege to see many of the players listed below in action on multiple occasions. I hope that the current crop of players who are on this list stay loyal to the end, which I’m sure they will, and so, without further ado … from most recent to past greats … the Swans loyal …
Tadhg Kennelly
2001 – 2008; 2010 – date (10 seasons)
Courtesy of writer's own collection
Tadhg was recruited from Irish Gaelic Football team, Kerry, in 1999 and made his senior AFL debut in 2001. He won many fans with his Irish charm and was the first Irishman to win an AFL Premiership Medal when he played with the Swans in their 4 point win over West Coast in 2005. There had been speculation that Tadhg would return to play in Ireland to follow in his father’s footsteps and win an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medal and never was this more fervent than following his father’s sudden death at age 51 in December 2005, despite a year remaining on Tadhg’s contract with the Swans but he ended the speculation in August 2006 by signing a 3 year contract with the swans.
During the 2007 and 2008 season, Tadhg suffered a run of injuries, including leg and should injuries, which set back his AFL career. An anterior cruciate ligament tear in 2007 and a dislocated kneecap in 2008 caused him to reassess his career and in January of 2009 he announced he would return to Ireland and play Gaelic football for his native county, Kerry.
Tadhg played in the Gaelic National Football League and earned a spot in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, playing for Kerry, in June 2009 after their team was ravaged by injuries. Despite an injury during the qualifying series he took the field as a substitute in the All-Ireland quarter-final against Dublin and made such an impression that he was named in the starting team for the semi-final in which Kerry beat Meath.
On 20 September 2009 he played the first 50 minutes of the All-Ireland final, scoring 2 points and becoming the first person to win an AFL premiership and an All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. Following controversy after a supposed misquote by the ghost writer of his autobiography Kennelly signed a two year deal with the Sydney Swans, marking his return to the AFL in 2010.
Personal Reflections: Seeing Tadhg standing on the stage to receive his premiership medal, having it hung round his neck and him facing the crowd and do his version of an Irish jig made the Irish in me swell with pride (even if it is only about 1/8th of me). Seeing him do it again the next morning at the team presentation, quite hung over, was very amusing.
Ryan O’Keefe
2000 – date (12 seasons)
Courtesy of The Telegraph
Recruited from the Calder Cannons Ryan has been a solid player for the swans since his debut in 2000. He played in the winning 2005 Grand Final team and in 2006 again played in the Grand Final as well as gaining selection on the All-Australian team.
Like many players who travel from their Victorian homes to play interstate, they occasionally get homesick. Ryan announced that he wanted to go home, to play for one of the Victorian teams, and knocked back a three year contract with the swans. However, a trade was not forthcoming and Ryan decided not to run the risk of the draft as their were three non-Victorian teams with draft picks ahead of any Victorian team. He later signed a 4 year contract with the Swans and in 2009 he won the Bob Skilton Medal. After initially worrying that the fans might not accept him back into the team he has taken on a role in the leadership group and the fans have understood his desire to go home.
Personal Reflections: I’ve met Ryan a few times over the years and he is a quiet, reserved kind of a guy. He’s not your typical footballer personality, not in public anyway. This is not to say he has no personality. At one time he hosted a cooking segment on Channel Ten’s “Seriously AFL” and writes “Ryan’s Recipes” for the Swans website. It’s nice to see a player who doesn’t need or want the alcohol- and/or drug-fuelled recklessness that so catch out so many promising players.
Jude Bolton
1999 – date (13 seasons)
Courtesy of writer's own collection
Jude was recruited from the Calder Cannons and soon became a hit with the young girls, myself included. I still have my jumper with his number lovingly sewn on the back from 1999. His career has coincided with my membership of the club, perhaps why I feel such an affinity towards him. Despite his pretty-boy image, Jude is a hard player and isn’t afraid to get dirty.
In 2007 Jude won the AFL Community Leadership Award in recognition of his charitable works, especially with the homeless. Jude once said, "Getting out among the street people is an eye-opener and a pretty humbling experience. You get to meet a few interesting characters … We're very lucky to have a lifestyle because of our jobs, so it's good to get out there and give something back."
Personal Reflections: My friends and I have always had a giggle about Jude, especially when it comes to him kicking goals. It has now become a ritual that one of us crosses ourselves father-son-and-holy-ghost-style (it is usually me, but I always get reminded to do it if I forget or blamed if I don’t do it and he misses). There’s just something about mid-fielders sneaking forward to kick goals. The other thing we have a giggle about is how long it will take before his pristine jumper is caked in mud. However, as much as we tease Jude, we love him to bits and feel like we’ve been through a lot together.
Adam Goodes
1999 – date (13 seasons)
Courtesy of writer's own collection
Where do I start with Adam? In 1999, his debut season, he was outstanding and deserving winner on the Rising Star Award. Things only got better from there. In 2003 he as named for the first time in the All-Australian Team, won the Bob Skilton Medal and won the Brownlow Medal. He backed up the All-Australian selection and Brownlow win in 2006, as well as playing in the 2006 Grand Final loss to West Coast.
Adam was played instrumental roles in both the successful 2005 Grand Final campaign and the 2006 loss. His ability to lead on the field has been duly rewarded with a position in the leadership group for many years and with Co-Captaincy since 2009.
Demonstrating a leadership quality off the field as well has defined Adam as one of the good-guys of Australian Football. He and his good friend Michael O'Loughlin helped to start an indigenous football academy. In 2009 they launched the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation which aims at empowering the next generation of Indigenous role models. Adam and Michael co-Chair the Foundation, which focuses on education, employment and healthy lifestyles for indigenous youth.
Personal Reflections: Adam is another player that I feel like I’ve grown up with. It was beautiful to see him in 2003 at the Brownlow Medal Ceremony, having no girlfriend in tow, instead bringing his mum to share the night and, ultimately, his victory. Adam is not only one of my favourite players of all time, he is one of my favourite people and I think he will always be thus.
Brett Kirk
1999 – 2010 (12 seasons)
Courtesy of writer's own collection
Nicknamed “Captain Kirk” (in reference to popular sci-fi character Captain James T. Kirk of Star Trek fame) and “Captain Blood” (in reference to the clubs former nickname of “blood stained angels” or “bloods” for short) Brett was one of the finest captains the Swans have ever known.
Recruited from North Albury he debuted in 1999 and went on to win just about every accolade available. He was named on the All-Australian team in 2004, won the Bob Skilton Medal in 2005 and 2007, played in the 2005 Grand Final victory and the 2006 defeat. This also marked his first year of Co-Captaincy, which continued until his retirement in 2010. He was given the AFLPA Robert Rose Award (League's Most Courageous Player) in 2006, the Paul Kelly Players’ Player Award in 2008, the AFLPA Madden Medal (Community Spirit Award) and the AFLPA Best Captain Award 2010.
Brett is beloved by not only the players and fans from his own team, but respected by other teams, coaches and fans. His down to earth attitude, coupled with his tenacity as a player, was the hallmark of his playing career and he has been honoured by being selected in 2011 as the AFL Ambassador Youth Mentor, the AFL International Cup Ambassador and the AFL Premiership Cup Ambassador.
He finished his career with 1278 tackles, which remains the record today. His ability to get the ball in tight contests proved pivotal in many games and he certainly led by example. Now that he’s finished his playing career he’s taking that same leadership quality to his new position and will continue to do the Swans proud no matter what direction his life path may take.
Personal Reflections: Brett will always be remembered as Captain Kirk, a name given to him before he even took on the position but I think that, rather than any specific memory of him playing (though there are so many wonderful ones), what I will always remember is his smile. It is the smile of a true champion, of someone who has seen the best and the worst of the human character on that field, and of someone who gave his all with grace and determination.
Michael O’Loughlin
1995 – 2009 (15 seasons)
Courtesy of writer's own collection
Recruited from the Central Districts in South Australia and making his senior debut in 1995, I’m sure no-one would have guessed what a magnificent player the Swans had unearthed. In only his second season he played in the 1996 losing Grand Final against North Melbourne. In 1997 he was selected for the All-Australian team, and again in 2000. in 1998 he won the Bob Skilton Medal and the Fos Williams Medal which is awarded to the best player from South Australia in an inter-state competition such as State of Origin.
Michael was given the nickname “Magic”, some say because of his ability to cast a spell over the opposition, and he certainly lived up to it. He was a critical member of the 2005 Grand Final win and the 2006 Grand Final loss, as well as every other game he played. One could never accuse Michael of giving less than his all, and then some, every time he stepped out onto the park.
Michael is one of the most decorated Indigenous Australian players in the history of the Australian Football League. He was named a member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, was only the third player with Indigenous heritage to play 300 AFL games (as well as the club’s first player ever to reach the milestone) and won two Deadlys: Outstanding Achievement in AFL (for his 2005 premiership season) and Male Sportsperson of the Year (for his unceasing efforts on field and off in 2009).
He has also been awarded the 2009 AFL Players’ Association Madden for his on and off-field contributions to the game, including the launching of the Goodes O'Loughlin Foundation, along with his good friend & co-Chairman Adam Goodes.
Personal Reflections: Michael was an amazing player and is an amazing person. Every time I have met him he has restored my faith in footballers with his gregarious personality and infectious attitude. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the man. I am hard-pressed to pick one moment from his career that warrants a mention more than any other moment so I am going to recall a moment I shared with him following the 2005 Grand Final win. It was the following morning. We fans were all down at South Melbourne’s old stomping ground for the team presentation. We’d gotten there early and had front row positions. The players arrived, looking a bit worse for wear, many sporting sunglasses (including Mickey). They were presented and then came down to sign a few autographs before being shepherded onto the bus to take them back to the airport for more of the same in Sydney. Mickey made his way around the fence line, signing autographs along the way, until he came to my friend and I. We asked him how he was feeling that morning. He looked at us over the top of his sunglasses, perched on the end of his nose, smiled a kind of a half-smile and said (in a rather croaky voice), “Just fine.”
Leo Barry
1995 – 2009 (15 seasons)
Courtesy of writer's own collection
Leaping Leo earned his nickname by being able to somehow defy the laws of gravity (and probably a few other laws of physics) to launch himself high into the air and mark the ball. I suppose when you’re not the tallest of defenders and ability to leap higher than your opponent can reach is a terrific asset and at only 184cm (yes, only!) he quite often played of forwards who towered over him, usually by at least 10-15cm.
Leo’s remarkable ability is showcased by two games. The first is the 2004 clash with St Kilda. Leo was matched with the massive, 196cm tall Fraser Gehrig. Despite giving away 12cm in height and 15kg in weight, Leo kept the full forward scoreless and limited him to only two possessions, both handballs. This is not just amazing because of the size difference but because Gehrig went on to claim the 2004 Coleman Medal, which is awarded to the player who kicks the most goals in the regular season each year.
However, it is the second game that will go down in Swans Club legend, if not AFL legend. Let me set the scene. It is the 2005 Grand Final. The swans have been locked in an agonising battle against West Coast for the entrie game. There is less than a minute to go and the swans are ahead by 4 points. Dean Cox, a West Coast player, has the ball. He knows that a mark in the forward line could win West Coast the game. He send the ball flying down into the forward line and the pack of players fly. The crowd are going nuts. From the pack emerges Leo Barry, ball in hand. He has taken what is the most memorable single mark ever in the history of Swans games and by taking it ensure the Swans first Premiership win in 72 years.
Personal Reflections: I could reflect on how it felt being there are the MCG in 2005, behind the goals that Leo took that mark in front of, but I won’t. What I will reflect on is the first time I met Leo. It was at a Barrassi BBQ (ah, the good old days). Leo and a few of the other players were sitting upstairs over-looking Randwick Racecourse. Being eager, young autograph hunters, my friend and I decided to go up and see if they’d be willing to sign our books. We politely asked and Leo took my book. He signed it and, as he passed it to the player next to him, said, “Give her your phone number.” That cheeky sense of humour is what I will always remember about Leo. Oh, and that mark, of course.
Daryn Cresswell
1992 – 2003 (12 seasons)
Courtesy of The Age
Recruited from North Hobart, Daryn played his first senior game in 1992. His outstanding playing career, which included the Bob Skilton Medal in 1994, playing in the 1996 Grand Final and being selected in the All-Australian team in 1997, has been marred since his retirement by off field activities.
In 2009 he declared bankruptcy, owing almost $700,000, admitting that gambling had become an addiction since retiring from football. That same year Cresswell was arrested and charged in relation to with fraud offences that were allegedly committed in Queensland.
Personal Reflections: I was recently reminded of an incident involving Daryn during a 1997 game against Geelong (thanks Dean Edwards). Thinking back I remember him sitting on the ground, having just layed a crucial tackle, holding his dislocated knee and then proceeding to smack it back into position. The pain must have been excruciating. The mental and physical fortitude to then back up the next week is incredible by anyone’s standards and it should be this attitude, rather than his off-field indiscretions, for which he should be remembered.
To watch the video of Daryn relocating his kneecap follow the link below:
Andrew Dunkley
1991 – 2002 (12 seasons)
Courtesy of The Age
Dunkley was one of the first players that I’d seen made defending seem cool. As far back as I can remember, there was Dunkley in the back line, holding strong and saving many a goal. He was a hard player, being seen at the tribunal on more than one occasion, but he was a great leveller for the club, a father-figure to the younger players in the latter stages of his career, though his hard-man approach did nearly cost him a spot in the 1996 Grand Final.
In their after the siren victory over Essendon, Dunkley was reported for striking James Hird and was set to miss the Grand Final though suspension. The Swans went to the Supreme Court and had his ban put on hold so he could play. Unfortunately, it didn’t matter in the end, with Swans going down to North Melbourne 19.17.131 to 13.10.88.
Personal Reflections: I remember as a teenager, Dunkley was one of my favourite players of the mid-90s. I think it was the hair. I was very superficial back then. I also remember that I was always surprised when Dunks kicked a goal. Well, considering he player over 200 games and only scored 10 goals, his ventures up forward were somewhat limited but always exciting as you never knew if he was going to get it.
Dale Lewis
1990 – 2001 (12 seasons)
Courtesy of Triple M Radio
Dale was recruited from North Ballarat and debuted in 1990. He was instrumental in the run to the 1996 Grand Final and played good, consistent football. It’s a shame that his post retirement remarks about drugs in the AFL have somewhat soured the perception of him. Dale was an exciting player with flair and style.
Personal Reflections: I am not sure what to say about Dale. He was a loyal player, you can't be at a club for as long as he was without feeling some sort of connection to the club, the people, the fans. I know there is a lot of debate about what Dale did and said and this is not the place for that argument. I really enjoyed watching Dale play and that's where I will leave that subject.
Paul Kelly
1990 – 2002 (13 seasons)
Courtesy of the Herald Sun
Kels was recruited from Wagga Wagga and first played in 1990. A mere three years later he was appointed Captain of the team. His ability to lead and his general football ability were outstanding from the beginning and it’s no wonder that he has become the iconic captain that we all love and admire.
Paul won an amazing four Bob Skilton Medals (1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997), won the Brownlow in 1995 and made the All-Australian team on three occasions (1995, 1996 as captain and 1997 as captain) but it was Kels courage as a player that stood out. He was the recipient of the AFLPA Robert Rose Award for Most Courageous Player in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2000 and, to this day, is known as Captain Courageous.
Kels played in the 1996 Grand Final defeat and it’s tragic that he never got to taste that sweet success, however, he was given the honour of presenting the Premiership Cup to then coach Paul Roos and then captain Barry Hall after the 2005 Grand Final victory.
In 2007 he was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame and has the Swans annual Players’ Player Award named after him.
Personal Reflections: Again, how do you pick one moment from such an outstanding career? I think the most poignant memory is that of Kels presenting the Brownlow Medal to former teammate Adam Goodes in 2006. Seeing two greats of the club together like that is great motivation for the club and a fitting tribute to both players.
Mark Bayes
1985 – 1998 (14 seasons)
Courtesy of the Sydney Morning Herald
Recruited from Noble Park, Mark debut with the Swans in 1985 and soon established himself as a consistent player at either end of the ground. He genuinely was a jack-of-all-trades when it came to footy. Despite playing mostly in the backline, he was more than capable of making forays into the midfield and front line. Given the opportunity, he showed himself to be a good goalkicker, booting many goals in his career.
His ability to play anywhere on the ground contributed to his selection in the Swans “Team of the Century”. He was awarded the Bob Skilton Medal in 1989 and played in the 1996 Grand Final loss to North Melbourne. It should also be noted that Mark suffered very few injuries over the space of his 12 seasons at the Swans and even late in his career when niggling injuries could have gotten the better of him he continued to play consistent and influential football.
Personal Reflections: I always feel for the Swans players who were in the 1996 Grand Final defeat but retired before the 2005 victory. To come so close and come away without the Premiership must be heartbreaking. I think, though, Mark showed such a great resilience throughout his entire career and despite not being one of the “superstar” players, or perhaps because of it, he made a significant impact on many games.
David Murphy
1984 – 1993 (10 seasons)
Courtesy of the Sydney Swans
David could well have ended up playing for Geelong instead of the Swans had it not been for a fortuitous work transfer to Wagga Wagga (part of the Swans catchment area). A top player on the wing, David was rewarded with selection in the All-Australian team in 1988 and was consistently an influential player for the Swans throughout his career.
The Swans proved that they valued David’s loyalty when, after finding getting to training on time due to work commitments was becoming increasingly difficult, they helped him find alternate employment with a Swans supporter. Loyalty is best kept when it is a two way street and this is surely the best proof.
Personal Reflections: It’s great to see players who could have upped and left after the move to Sydney remain in the Habour City, and David is one of those who has not only remained but prospered. He recalled being a “very, very proud Swan” after the 2005 Grand Final victory and currently takes pride in watching his son play as a top up player for the Swans Reserves.
Dennis Carrol
1981 – 1993 (13 seasons)
Courtesy of the Sydney Swans
Originally from the Riverina District of New South Wales, Dennis is one of the longest serving Captains of the club, serving in the position for seven of his thirteen seasons. Dennis was a terrific leader of the club, both on and off the field, showing guts and determination each and every week.
After playing his first year with South Melbourne, he made the move with the Swans to Sydney and has been an integral part of the club ever since, even post retirement as a player. Dennis spent four years as the Swans Reserves coach, was the chairman of the Swans Match Committee and is currently the Player Welfare & Development Manager. The Swans award for Most Improved is also named in his honour.
Personal Reflections: Though I may not always agree with Dennis’ reading of situations, I have never been one to question his dedication and loyalty to the club which has been a part of his life for 30 years. I think that he has repaid the Swans belief in him and the Swans have repaid his loyalty towards them and they will hopefully continue to reward each other for many years to come.
Stephen Wright
1979 – 1992 (14 seasons)
Courtesy of Sydney Swans
Recruited from Oakleigh Districts, Stephen played his first senior game in 1979 and, despite playing with many “superstar”, he played an integral part in the team. Predominantly playing as a rover, Stephen was dangerous in front of goal, never took a backward step when it came to attacking the ball. It was this drive and dedication to the team that won him the Bob Skilton Medal in 1985 and 1990.
Stephen was also modest, however, and was shocked at being inducted into the Swans Hall of Fame. Wright explained that he was ‘embarrassed’ by the inclusion because “I never saw myself as a star player. Short (171cm) and light (73kg), I was more a battler than anything else. Besides, I didn’t have fantastic skills.”
Personal Reflections: It’s rare for players to show their emotions but when television cameras caught Steve crying outside the Lake Oval believing that his beloved club would fold, it not only showed the depth of feeling Stephen had towards football but towards the club he held so dear. Luckily, the move to Sydney saved the club, and the careers of many players, and we in the Harbour City are eternally grateful.
Tony Morwood
1978 – 1989 (12 seasons)
Courtesy of the Sydney Swans
Recruited from Noble Park, Tony played in the red and white along side brothers, Paul and Shane for many years but when the club made the move north to Sydney Paul elected to move to St Kilda and Shane moved to Collingwood, leaving Tony with the agonising decision of staying in Victoria with his family or moving with the Swans to their new home in Sydney.
In the end Tony happily made the decision to stay loyal to the club which had given him his start and went on to become one of the greatest half-forwards the club has even had. Tony was a very agile player often weaving out of trouble but was equally at home in the air and developed a reputation as a superb aerialist.
Personal Reflections: Despite playing in Tasmania and then Victoria following his retirement from senior football, Tony returned to the Swans as part of the Melbourne office and is now the manager of the club’s Melbourne operations. I think the fact that former players feel such affection towards their former club that they will follow them interstate should be acknowledged as one of the most beautiful things in football. It would have been so easy for Tony to remain in Victoria, as his brothers did, yet he showed dedication to his club and they have duly rewarded his loyalty and relish having him back in the fold.
Mark Browning
1975 – 1987 (13 seasons)
Courtesy of the Sydney Swans
Mark was signed under the father-son rule as his father, Keith, had played for the Swans between 1951 and 1954, though things could have turned out very differently if North Melbourne and Fitzroy had had their way. Both clubs had laid claim to the young Mark but, as Mark himself said, “Both North and Fitzroy were wasting their time as I only wanted to play for South and I made my debut with the Swans in 1975.”
His learning curve was rapid, thanks to then coach Ian Stewart putting him on some of the most influential opposition players each week. Mark took some hard knocks, including a broken leg, but a never-say-die attitude brought him through his first few years at the club and turned him into a strong leader, taking on the vice-captaincy for many years, including during the pivotal time of the club’s move north.
In the years following the move, Mark won the Bob Skilton Medal (1983) and was promoted to captain for the 1983 and 1984 seasons, though the modest and versatile player was happy to just be part of the leadership group.
Personal Reflections: Mark is the player who best represents both incarnations of our Club. He not only has the distinction of having played 100 games for South Melbourne, he also played 100 games for the Sydney, and is the only player in the club’s history to do so. I think those players who did make the trek north to Sydney should hold a special place in the heart of all Swans fans, especially those who spent a considerably more time in South Melbourne than they did in Sydney, such as Mark.
Colin Hounsell
Colin Hounsell
1975 – 1985 (11 seasons)
Courtesy of The Sydney Swans
Few footballers have shown as much loyalty to the Swans as this former midfielder, who twice rejected offers to join other clubs. The first was a controversial deal by Collingwood who claimed Colin as part of a trade for Robert Dean (whom the Swans had signed over the summer) but Colin refused to play for anyone but the Swans (then still in South Melbourne). The second offer came from Carlton after Colin had decided to move away from senior football and had played a stint in the South Australian league. On deciding to return to the seniors, and despite the offer from Carlton, Colin stated, ““If I return to Victoria, I’ll play for the Swans.”
Colin’s loyalty was again tested when the club made the move to Sydney but he showed the club where his heart lay and stayed with the club. Now living in Queensland, Colin regularly attends club reunions, has stayed friends with many of the players who made the transition from South Melbourne to Sydney and follows the fortunes of the current players with interest.
Personal Reflections: Though I never saw Colin play, I find that his attitude pervades the club still. The Swans, more so than many other teams, manage to instill a sense of loyalty in their players and the fans have come to expect it.
For anyone interested in the Goodes O’Loughlin Foundation, head to the following website:
And thank you to the Swans loyal fan base for helping put together the names for inclusion here, your contributions were most gratefully received.
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