The Sydney Swans have removed a gendered reference in their 60-year-old club song, in a gesture to promote the inclusion at the club, as it works to move a team into the AFLW.
The second last line of the song has been changed from the lyrics “her loyal sons”, to “our loyal Swans”, with the Swans saying it is a “small but important change” and is reflective of the progress being made towards a women’s team.
In a statement, the club said they are currently working towards entering a Sydney Swans side into the AFLW, and are expanding their youth girls’ academy program. The Swans are currently one of four clubs that does not have a team in the AFLW.
“In light of the continual evolution of our club, we have made a small but important change to our club song which is reflective of who we are and where we are going,” the club’s statement reads.
“Swans members and fans should know we are working hard towards a women’s team.”
The Swans’ Under 19s women’s side has already sung the new song following their recent victory over Geelong. The men’s AFL team will implement the new lyrics at their next win.
🎶 While Our Loyal Swans are marching, onwards to victory 🎶 pic.twitter.com/KWaLP0rV1d
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) March 18, 2021
Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley said in January this year that having an AFLW team is a priority for the club, but it was difficult to put a timeline on this becoming a reality.
“When the licenses were first established a few years ago (and then the expansion that’s followed since), the club haven’t been in a position to field a team, primarily based around facilities,” Harley said in a statement at the time.
“It’s been well documented that one of the significant causalities of COVID-19 was our plans for a new facility at the Royal Hall of Industries.
“We are working feverishly to get that back on board and satisfy our facility challenges – that is a primary concern for us and that’s one of the key planks for our entry in the AFLW.”
The Sydney Swan, Port Adelaide, Hawthorn and Essendon are the only clubs without an AFLW side.
Want more stories about women’s sport? Sign up to our weekly update, The Sporty Wrap here.