AFLW 2023: Sydney Swans sisters hoping for perfect Father’s Day gift in round 1

Kelly Hamilton has been coach and support crew for daughters Cynthia and Lexi. And the Swans AFLW stars have the perfect way to repay him this weekend.

Cynthia (left) and Lexi Hamilton (right) are hoping to get their dad Kelly a Swans win for Father’s Day. Picture: Phil Hillyard

What to get the dad who has it all on Father’s Day?

It’s the question that goes through every kid’s mind when the first weekend of September arrives.

Socks. Undies. Maybe a gift card if they’re lucky.

But for the Hamilton sisters, Cynthia and Lexi, they know one present will be better than anything they could buy this Sunday.

An inaugural AFL win for the Sydney Swans against the Giants at North Sydney Oval.

“It would be extra nice against the Giants,” Cynthia said to her father, Kelly. “That can be your gift.”

“I’d love that,” Kelly said. “It would be good to work out that way … and if they forgot a present, they could say that’s it. No pressure!”

The Hamiltons are set to take their game to the next level in 2023. Picture: Phil Hillyard

While a win would save investing in any other present, Cynthia is under no illusions as to how important Kelly has been for her career.

He’s gone well beyond the role of supportive father, taking up coaching positions and making sure the Sherrin was getting plenty of action at home.

“When I played with the boys, he was actually the assistant coach,” Cynthia said. “Well, he was probably the main coach, to be honest, especially at home he was coaching there.

“He’s always been a major support for both of us. I don’t reckon I’d be where I am without him.”

Cynthia was the No.11 pick in the 2022 draft and was one of the Swans’ standouts in their first season. She went on to be named Sydney’s AFLW club champion and is looking to build on that this season.

And she will get to do that alongside her older sister Lexi again.

Cynthia Hamilton celebrates a goal at North Sydney Oval last year. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Lexi will miss this week’s Father’s Day clash with a slight MCL sprain, but the early signs across the Swans’ practice matches suggested the chemistry between the pair will lead to great things on the field.

And they know that no matter the result, their Dad will still be proudly cheering on in the stands, donned in all the red and white he can find.

“I think it’s really provided so much stability around both my on-field and off-field performance (playing with Cynthia),” Lexi said.

“I’ve been able to grow not only as a football player, but as a person. Our parents come to see so many games, they’re so supportive.

“I don’t think we would be as close to this elite environment as we are now without them.”

Originally published as AFLW 2023: Sydney Swans sisters hoping for perfect Father’s Day gift in round 1