Sydney Swans’ emotional tribute to Bondi massacre victims

The Swans, whose home ground is a short distance from Bondi Junction, paid their respects to victims of the horrific knife attack.

The Sydney Swans led an emotional and sombre tribute to victims of the horrific Bondi Junction stabbing attack prior to their clash with the Suns at the SCG.

Six lives were lost and 12 others were seriously wounded in the senseless attack at a Westfield Shopping Centre that rocked the country nine days ago and took place a short distance from the Swans’ home ground.

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On Monday, the Swans announced they would wear black armbands and pay tribute to the victims prior to Sunday’s clash.

The family of one of the victims, Ashlee Good, was also in attendance.

Good was the daughter of former North Melbourne player and board member Kerry Good.

Ashlee Good’s nine-month old baby, who was also injured in the attack, was released from hospital on Sunday.

“On behalf of the Sydney Swans and everyone across the AFL industry, we ask everyone to be upstanding as we pay tribute to those whose lives were cut short last weekend in Bondi,” the SCG ground announcer said.

“This tragedy was felt deeply by everyone in our community and together we grieve the loss of innocent lives.”

Sydney Swans players line up for a moments silence paying respect to the victims of the Bondi Junction tragedy. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

Swans star Tom Papley and Gold Coast captain Jarrod Witts laid flowers during the ceremony, which was attended by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Sydney chief executive Tom Harley and his Suns counterpart Mark Evans.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those killed and injured and the first responders and members of the community whose extraordinary acts of bravery are truly remarkable,” the ground announcer continued.

“To the family and close friends of Ashlee Good, who are here with us today at the SCG, we are here for you.

“The AFL community is united in extending its heartfelt condolences to everyone who has been affected.

“Please pause for a moment as we pay our respects.”

The moment of silence was beautifully observed by the 35,649-strong crowd.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, his fiancee Jodie Haydon, Swans chief executive Tom Harley and Suns chief executive Mark Evans were in attendance. (Photo by Phil Hillyard)

“An appropriate show of respect there for something that is still so hard to comprehend,” Fox Footy commentator Anthony Hudson said.

News Corp journalist Lachlan McKirdy tweeted: “A really lovely tribute from both the Swans and Suns for the victims of the attack at Bondi Junction last week.

“Members of Ash Good’s family are here in attendance today, while PM Anthony Albanese was also on the sideline for the moment of silence.”

Earlier in the week, Swans coach John Longmire had spoken about the impact the massacre had on his club and the Sydney Roosters.

“This is our local community,” Longmire said on Tuesday.

The Swans and Suns wore black armbands for the game. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images )

“These are the people that come and support our clubs and to have it so close to home … it’s a terrible tragedy that’s unfolded in our backyard.

“I was talking to (Roosters coach) Trent Robinson about it last night. This is our clubs’ areas.

“It’s just five minutes away and all of our kids go there (to Bondi Junction Westfield), our kids families go there, our friends. We go there, we travel there all the time.

“And just by a stroke of luck, our friends and our family weren’t there – but a lot of people were.”

Once the game got underway, the Swans made a fast start and then produced a superb seven-goal third quarter to march to a 17.8 (110) to 8.9 (57) win.

In ruckman Heath Grundy’s 200th AFL game, the Swans moved to 5-1 for the season, while the Suns slipped to 3-3.

Originally published as Sydney Swans’ emotional tribute to Bondi massacre victims