AFL Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick

Launch of the 2013 Toyota AFL Season

I want to add my welcome to everyone here tonight for the 2013 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Launch.

 

The images we have just seen of last year’s nail-biting Grand Final and the reflections we have heard from Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh represent the very essence of our extraordinary game.

 

The contest was widely adjudged to be one of the all-time great Grand Finals, with the Swans kicking the last four goals of an ebbing and flowing game to claim their second premiership in seven seasons.

 

And while the match was a fierce contest from the first bounce, the players of both clubs are to be commended for the wonderful spirit in which it was played.  A terrific advertisement for Australia’s game.

 

It was the pinnacle of a season played to a consistently exciting and high quality standard by all teams and players. Their on-field feats never fail to astonish and delight.

 

Congratulations to Swans Chairman Richard Colless, Chief Executive Officer Andrew Ireland, Senior Coach John Longmire, General Manager, Football Dean Moore, the players, board and staff for delivering a second premiership cup to Sydney and providing the perfect end to a year in which the club celebrated  the 30th anniversary of its move from South Melbourne.

 

The club has been a remarkably consistent performer reaching the finals in 14 of the last 17 seasons and contesting three Grand Finals which have been determined by a total of 15 points.

 

Richard Colless is the AFL’s longest serving club chairman and since he became involved with the Swans, they have become the single largest sporting club in Sydney based on the number of members, attendances per game, national TV audiences and revenue.

 

I also want to congratulate Hawthorn President Andrew Newbold, Chief Executive Officer Stuart Fox, Senior Coach Alistair Clarkson, and General Manager, Football Mark Evans – soon to join the AFL of course – and also commend the Hawthorn players, board and staff for the continued success of the club.

 

It is now my great privilege to present the 2012 premiership flag to Swans Chairman Richard Colless on behalf of his club.

 

Congratulations.

 

---------------------------------

ends