Swans ‘still trying’ to win back fans as doors opened for training
Sydney Swans coach Dean Cox gave a nod to the under-siege club’s supporters as hundreds showed up for an open training session at the SCG on Thursday.
In the latest indication that Sydney supporters have stuck fat with the club despite the Pullman scandal, an estimated 600 fans poured into the SCG to mingle with the team and watch them train before Friday’s preliminary final against Fremantle.
Sydney superstar Charlie Curnow takes a photo with Swans fans. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
It follows a stunning show of support that saw tickets for the grand final qualifier at the SCG – which has a capacity of 45,000 for AFL games – sell out within a couple of hours after going on sale on Monday.
As he was asked at his press conference on Thursday if he felt the club had won back the support of the city, Cox cast his eyes across to the fans in the stands.
“We’re still trying to do that,” he said.
“I think the support that this football club’s had for a long period of time has been phenomenal.
“This year’s been sold out [for the] most part of the year, and it’s great to see everyone get [out here today].
“Hopefully we can put in a performance that they’re really proud of.”
Sydney’s AFL/AFLW double header against North Melbourne at the SCG – the first game day since the hotel scandal blew up – drew a crowd of 30,058.
For the qualifying final against two-time reigning premiers Brisbane at the SCG, which Sydney won by 53 points, a crowd of 37,261 rocked up.
The Swans find themselves just one win away from a grand final berth a month after chairman Andrew Pridham said the club’s decision to stand down five players for the season, including superstars Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey, had “torpedoed” its premiership campaign.
In a boost for Sydney ahead of the preliminary final, Cox confirmed midfielder Justin McInerney would play his first senior game since round 14, having recovered from a hamstring injury.
Cox also said key forward Joel Amartey had not been selected despite overcoming a partial Achilles tendon tear.
Key forward Hayden McLean has retained his place in the side after booting three goals in the qualifying final win over Brisbane.
