Life Member Luncheon Wrap Up

In case you missed it, Swan Districts opening round luncheon saw our newest Life Members, Ball Legend and a 10-Year Merit Certificate receivers officially presented.

Our newest Life Members include Brad Shine, Ross Fitzgerald, Graham O’Donnell, Eliza Gelmi and Jesse Turner.

Brad Shine won 3 Premierships with Swan Districts in 1982, 83 and 84 and one as a non playing captain in 1990 equalling the achievements of our only two 4 time Premiership players Don Langsford and Don Holmes.

Ross Fitzgerald has a 10 year WAFL playing career playing a total 150 games with 112 League games for Swan Districts including the 1982 Premiership.

Graham O’Donnell joined the club in 1990 with his brothers providing boxing training for all 3 WAFL grades and he’s continued for the next 34 years. He’s trained players on a weekly basis at the club and at Wally Bates Boxing Club, and played a role in the development of many players who have gone on to the AFL.

Eliza’s played 12 seasons to date for Swan Districts including 128 League games and 47 Reserves games. She is the current Co-Captain of the club’s WAFL Women’s team

Jesse Turner played 10 seasons to date for Swan Districts including 156 League games. He has been Captain of the League team since 2024. Jesse automatically qualified for Life Membership reaching 150 WAFL League games.

Twenty five years ago the WAFL established a tradition for each club to name a legend to be the club’s Ball Legend for the season, with Tallan Ames being the player honoured this year. Ames’s list of achievements include but are not limited to 266 WAFL Games 2002-2017 kicking 55 goals, Swans Life Membership in 2010, Swans Hall of Fame Inductee in 2023 and was a Premiership Player in 2010.

Stephen Bakes was recognised for his dedication and support of Swan Districts with a 10-Year Merit Certificate. Stephen has been a strong supporter of the club and constant in the Swansmen Lounge each home game. He’s a typical behind the scenes worker who deserves recognition for his 14 years’ service.

We thank each attendee of our Life Members Luncheon, and look forward to hosting the next Legends Luncheon on the 26^th April. Keep an eye our on our website, social media and the Fighting Swan for more information.