Sydney Swans vow to continue fight against racism

ADAM Goodes may have retired but Kieren Jack says he and his Sydney Swans teammates will continue to fight against racism and intolerance.

ADAM Goodes may have retired but Kieren Jack says he and his Sydney Swans teammates will continue to fight against racism and intolerance.

Speaking at the Swans guernsey presentation and Hall of Fame induction on Tuesday night, Jack gave an impassioned speech about how players and the club can effect a change for the better in society.

“Last year, it was our club that stood up and said enough is enough,” Jack said.

“It was the red and white that spoke out against racism and ignorance to lead a national campaign, our mate’s battle became our battle. Why? Because we know that our club is better than that, that our code is better than that and we as Australians are better than that.

“I am proud to say that despite Adam Goodes no longer being a part of our playing group we will continue to fight intolerance, we will continue to educate our players and our staff in the hope of creating positive change in our society.”

Jack also paid tribute to the Swans fans who rallied behind Goodes when the continuous booking caused him to take a leave of absence from football and miss the Round 18 match against Adelaide at the SCG.

“The cheers in the seventh minute of the third quarter last year against Adelaide revealed to me just how powerful the Sydney Swans army can be,” Jack said.

“It reinforces the impact we can have if we stand together. I am convinced our fans are like no others in their passion and dedication. This year we are incredibly proud to introduce the Rainbow Swans Supporter Group and celebrate the diversity of our fans.”

Adam Goodes took a powerful, and not always popular, stand against racism on the field. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Nine new players were presented with their Swans guernseys for the first time including Callum Sinclair, Michael Talia, Tyrone Leonardis, Jordan Dawson, Colin O’Riordon, Callum Mills, Tom Papley, Sam Murray and Kyle Galloway.

The new group have big shoes to fill after the departures of five premiership players — Goodes, Rhyce Shaw, Mike Pyke, Lewis Jetta and Craig Bird.

“These were experienced teammates who left their imprint on our club in more ways than one,” Jack said.

“But as sad as it is to see our mates and mentors move on, we understand that is the nature of AFL football, their departures create opportunities for the next generation to make their mark.”

Champion key position player Ron Clegg (1945-60) was elevated to Legend status and livewire midfielder Bernie Evans was inducted into the Swans Hall of Fame.

Clegg becomes the sixth Swan to achieve the status and joins Bob Skilton, Bob Pratt, Paul Kelly, Peter Bedford and Herbie Matthews.

Evans grew up in the heart of Swans territory in South Melbourne and played 148 games, kicked 220 goals and was also a club best-and-fairest winner.