The Sydney Swans. Established as South Melbourne FC in 1874, ours is one of the oldest football clubs in the world. A founding member of the VFL, the club's relocation to Sydney in 1982 was the genesis of today's AFL national competition. Our football club is one with a truly unique and rich history.

It is a story to celebrate, protect, and preserve for future generations. A story that must be told. The Sydney Swans Museum will capture 150 years of evolution, development, crisis, heartache, and triumph. Where we have come from and who we are today. Our DNA. It will celebrate the people, the events, and the defining moments that have shaped our club.

A visit to our museum will deliver a spiritual-like experience. You will not only see and touch our history in a physical way - you will experience it in a profound, emotional way. You will sense the presence of your heroes, both current day and greats from another time. 

"PRESERVING THE ESSENCE OF THE SYDNEY SWANS' JOURNEY IS PARAMOUNT; IT'S A TESTAMENT TO THE ROOTS THAT GROUND US, THE MOMENTS THAT DEFINE US, AND THE LEGACY THAT CONTINUES TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF ATHLETES AND FANS ALIKE."

- Premiership player and Sydney Swans Foundation Ambassador, Josh Kennedy

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The Museum will reflect the club's resilience. Its ability to endure in the face of great adversity. Its longevity. Its courage. Its values. Its honesty. The honesty and accountability required to compete at the highest level for 150 years.

Own a piece of history by having your name proudly displayed alongside a Premiership Cup. This display is a homage to the team's triumphs and legacy. A premiership is the ultimate achievement, representing the culmination of a season's worth of dedication, skill, and perseverance. 

It's not just about supporting the team; it's about being part of their legacy, etched in the annals of their storied success. This unique opportunity immortalizes your name with the Swans' enduring heritage of excellence.

1881

South Melbourne wins its first Premiership in the VFA

1885

South secures its second Premiership after finishing the season undefeated.

1888

The first season with a ladder as we know it today, South Melbourne finishing on top with 15 wins from 19 games.

1889

South Melbourne wins a fourth Premiership.

1890

A hat trick of Premierships, winning back-to-back from 1888-1890.

1909

South Melbourne wins its first VFL premiership by two points over Carlton in front of 37,600.

1918

South Melbourne snatches victory over Collingwood in the closing seconds via a goal off the ground to claim the Premiership.

1933

In front of an Australian-record crowd of 75,754 people, South Melbourne defeated the Tigers, conceding the lowest score since 1919.

2005

Leo Barry’s magnificent mark sees the Sydney Swans break a 72-year drought. Here it is!

2012

“A grand final from the top shelf” – a second flag in seven years with a come-from-behind win over Hawthorn.

Interested?

Get in touch with the Foundation team today for a confidential discussion.

true believers ode

What is the Sydney Swans?

It's not just the premierships, the great players, the wins, the losses, the high stakes and big business of a national competition. It's much more than that.

It's a young child at their first game. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the tribal energy, and the colours. Those magnificient colours! Red and white. The journey has begun.

It's family and friends. Kindred spirits. It's a sense of belonging. A state of mind. A constant companion.

Respect, admiration, nervous anticipation, exhilaration, anguish, relief, joy, pride and loyalty. A kaleidoscope of feelings. An emotional vulnerability. 

It's a river of memories that lets you drift to another time and place. Precious memories that never fade. Timeless. 

It's the dreams. Always the dreams. It's the hope of glory. Stories still to be written. One more mountain to climb. Just one more.

And it's the love. A deep connection. A place where you belong. A place to call home.

It's your club.