The Bloods
The Bloods
In the late 1970s the South Melbourne Football Club was fighting against extinction. Small crowds, lack of sponsors and an ailing Victorian Football League saw the Swans almost running on borrowed time. Despite an uproar from South Melbourne fans a decision was made for the club to move all of its operations to Sydney in 1982. What followed was years in the sporting wilderness, with the public …Follow the podcast:
'Here It Is' | 6
During his first pre-season at the helm, Paul Roos would reshape the culture of the club. Giving players more power to make decisions and integrate the ‘bloods’ mantra into the Swans. Roos’ men became a tough, gritty and uncompromising side. But their style didn’t please everyone, as AFL CEO Andrew…
1:06:03
Nearly, But Not Quite | 5
The 1996 Grand Final would see the Swans come up against North Melbourne. Sydney jumped them early, but the Kangaroos managed to get the game back on their terms and eventually claimed premiership glory. Over the coming years Sydney would feature regularly in finals, earning the respect of the comp…
37:49
Stars Revive Sydney | 4
The Swans had a new lease on life, after winning the crucial vote to remain an AFL club. The league needed to ensure it wasn’t for nothing and decided to send in their own man, Ron Joseph. Taking back control of the club, the AFL and Joseph set off on a path to recruit the biggest name in the game …
44:43
The Dark Years | 3
After buying the Swans licence back from Powerplay the AFL would seek new private ownership to help the ailing club. A consortium led by Peter Weinert and Mike Willesee would take control of the Sydney Swans. The new owners found that the club was left in a worst position than they previously thoug…
32:51
The Razzmatazz Era | 2
The early years in Sydney proved difficult as the under resourced Swans struggled. Things were looking dire, but then a wealthy businessman by name of Geoffrey Edelsten took control of the club. After a big off-season recruitment drive the Swans began to win games and draw big crowds to the SCG. Ho…
32:28
Leaving South Melbourne | 1
By the late 1970s the South Melbourne Football Club were in a dire position. Struggling financially, dilapidated facilities and had small crowd attendances. It all seemed lost for the Swans. But in 1980 a VFL report unveiled an appetite for Australian rules football in Sydney. South Melbourne took …
35:18
Trailer
In the late 1970s the South Melbourne Football Club was fighting against extinction. Small crowds, lack of sponsors and an ailing Victorian Football League saw the Swans almost running on borrowed time. Despite an uproar from South Melbourne fans a decision was made for the club to move all of …
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