Behind the scenes of the Sydney Swans Cheer Squad | Thebigtip

Few AFL teams possess the heart of the Sydney Swans on the field. Why? Because with supporters like Catherine Marney urging them on from the sidelines, the players will always give 100 percent. 

The Big Tip caught up with Catherine as she provided an insight to her role as Manager of the Swans Cheer Squad.

1. How did you get involved in the Swans Cheer Squad?

I was born in Melbourne and from the age of four years, my dad used to take me along to the footy with him every Saturday afternoon to watch his beloved Magpies. After he passed away I moved to Sydney with my mum, got married, had children and continued to follow AFL. I took my children to their first game of Football at the SCG in 1990 - the day Tony 'Plugger' Lockett kicked 13 goals against the Swans. Needless to say my kids were hooked. I also noticed that day, that the Swannies didn't have a traditional Cheer Squad. So I decided to approach the club to seek permission to set up a squad, only to find out that they already had a total of six members who were going to retire at the end of the season. I came to them at the right time.

2. Why did you get involved in the Swans Cheer Squad?

I absolutely love the game and Cheer Squads are an important part of a Club. I wanted the people of Sydney to have the opportunity to see and share the passion that Cheer Squad Members have for their Club/Team.

3. How important is the role of the Cheer squad to the club, fans and players?

The Cheer Squad has an integral role within our Club - we are highly respected. Not only do we create the teams run-through banners on game day, we draw in supporters who I invite to sit with us on game day. They enjoy the experience enough to then join the club the following year as a Financial Member. We contribute our time voluntarily, have often assisted with fund-raising, assisted with various club events and participated in various media events etc. On game day the fans help us motivate the team by joining in our chants. They cheer when we raise the Swans banner and, at times, have been upset with the squad when the team loses as they feel that our chanting during the game has a lot to do with the team being motivated. The players love the team banners - especially when they celebrate their milestones. I've often had requests from players to have their family members come out on to the ground to assist with the banner and also help us behind the scenes.

4. Could you describe a typical game-day for the Swans Cheer squad?

Sydney's run-through banner is usually made the day before the game and left in the Swans room. We arrive early to support our Reserve Grade, then set up our equipment: flags, pom poms and large floggers (pompoms). I have a run/time sheet given to me by the club as we often have entertainment on ground prior to the main game and gather our Banner Coordinator and the Squad to go through it. I then hand out the Squad Jackets supplied to us by our Sponsor. We are allowed 24-26 people on to the ground with the banner. Prior to the banner going up, we head down towards the players who race out onto the ground. When they run through the banner, you feel an amazing sense of pride for your team and club! We then head back to our designated bay and start up the chants.... it's just amazing. The Cheer Squad Members are all like family and our club makes us feel like a part of their family.

5. Could you describe the moment, atmosphere and joy of being amongst the thousands of fans at the MCG when the Swans won the 2005 AFL Premiership?

The 2005 Grand Final was amazing. The week leading up to the Grand Final was like a dream come true. The Media wanted us to participate in interviews, photo shoots etc, they couldn't get enough of us! They even went out to our homes to interview us for the news and interviewed us on our journey to Melbourne and followed us to the hallowed turf of the MCG. The weather, crowd and atmosphere on the day was amazing and when our boys ran through the banner, our hearts were filled with pride. The game was fought tooth and nail and in the dying minutes of the final quarter, we were on the edge of our seats when the ball was down the opposition's end of the field. We were seated behind the goals and a few of us couldn't bear to watch as we thought West Coast would kick the goal to seal the game. But out of the blue in front of our squad, our hero leaping Leo Barry marked the ball and the rest they say is history. We had won our Grand Final and everyone was absolutely hysterical. We were in tears as we saw the team jump on top of one another. We then saw the Swans players receive their medals and hold aloft the AFL's holy grail - the Premiership Cup. The boys then did a lap of honour when Barry Hall ran over to our Squad, and just two seats across from me, jumped up on the fence and held up the Premiership Cup. We were all hysterical and it was a moment we will truly treasure and never forget.

6. The Swans are currently sixth on the ladder. How do you assess their season so far? Are they capable of making the finals?

We've had a bit of a disappointing year so far. However, we have suffered a lot of injuries which has given us the opportunity to bring in new talent from the reserves. The younger kids are really showing us their potential. I think we can make the finals but whether we stay there depends on injuries.

7. What did you think of Sydney's performance against Carlton?

What a team, what a coach and what an outstanding effort! The boys ran through the banner determined from the first bounce to give Carlton a run for their money and did so with gutso. Keiran Jack tagged Chris Judd for most of the afternoon, whilst Adam Goodes, back in Brownlow winning form, dominated for the Swans. Rhyce Shaw's move to the forward line was just what the doctor ordered, booting three goals while Teddy Richards, who returned from a stint in the reserves, was on fire. Our youngsters Jesse White, Dan Hannebery, Nick Smith and Brett Meredith played havoc with the opposition. Canadian Mike Pike also continues to improve. If we can continue to play the way we did on the weekend and remain injury free, the Swans can go all the way!

8. As a Swans fan, what are your thoughts on the AFL's new GWS franchise?

I actually think it's great for the game in NSW. The more people we have following the AFL, the better.

9. Why have crowds fallen away for Sydney?

The numbers have fallen across all codes in NSW as families are struggling financially. 

10. What does the future hold for Sydney?

After seeing the talent coming through the ranks I think we have a great future.