AFLW star Cynthia Hamilton praises Sydney Swans' unity amid turmoil, urges fan support ahead of derby
Quick Look
AFLW star Cynthia Hamilton praised the Sydney Swans' resilience and unity amid club turmoil, describing their bond as 'actually beautiful' and urging fans to support both men's and women's teams ahead of the Sydney derby against GWS at Henson Park, citing increased cross-team support and shared initiatives like morning breathwork.
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Why It Matters
The Sydney Swans men's and women's teams have faced internal turmoil, including player bans and scandal-related attendance fluctuations, but have recently shown increased unity through shared activities like morning breathwork and mutual support at games.
Believing Sydney's men's and women's teams are closer than before, AFLW star Cynthia Hamilton has described the embattled club's resilience amid turmoil as "actually beautiful".
Hamilton is urging fans to continue their support, vowing the Swans won't disappoint on the field in Sunday's Sydney derby against rivals GWS at Henson Park.
The Swans women play in the Harbour City for the first time since the SCG double-header in round two, having played a home game in Coffs Harbour in round three.
Fans came out in force at the SCG in the immediate aftermath of the men's Pullman Hotel scandal, with a crowd of 16,672 turning up for the victory over Essendon.
The attendance more than doubled Sydney's previous highest crowd for a home AFLW game.
In contrast, the men's team recorded its lowest SCG crowd of the season, just 30,058 fans watched them beat North Melbourne.
Star players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner and Nick Blakey — All-Australian contenders before they were banned from being selected — are among the five serving club-imposed bans.
Important tagger James Jordon and defender Riley Bice are the other Swans who won't play again this season.
As the men's team aims to rebuild respect for the famed "Bloods" culture, Hamilton says the club have come together even over the smallest of details.
"This has honestly brought us closer. We're doing breathwork in the morning together, we're doing little things," Hamilton said.
"Errol Gulden's been flicking the message [about breathwork] across to join both teams together as an opportunity to come closer.
"The boys have been bloody awesome. They've really brought the two groups together.
As a healthy contingent followed the women's to Whitten Oval last week, the men's team enjoyed renewed support for their 53-point qualifying final upset of reigning premiers Brisbane and played in front of 37,261 fans at the SCG.
"When you look on the weekend, and you see the support the boys are getting, and then vice versa when we were at the SCG as well, it just shows how special the Bloods bond is and that the culture is there," Hamilton said.
"Keep getting around us, keep showing up, and we won't disappoint, hopefully."
GWS forward Tarni Evans also threw her weight behind the Swans, after urging fans to support the AFLW fixture at the SCG last month.
The 14th-placed Giants are looking to retain derby bragging rights and bounce back from a dour 31-point away loss to the Lions, taking a three-game losing streak to Henson Park.
Sydney is also licking its wounds after a 27-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs, leaving the Swans fifth after a first loss of the season.
Both sides have claimed two wins from four previous derbies in the women's league.
"This weekend, this is such a great opportunity in women's sport, to get out and support it," Evans said.
"Getting people to the game is unreal and that's what we want.
"This weekend will be another testament to that, a great game of footy to watch."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Sydney Swans women's team will compete in the derby at Henson Park on Sunday
Very likely · Within days
Fan attendance at the derby will be strong due to urged support from players
Likely · Within days
Open Questions
- How long will the club-imposed bans on players like Heeney, Warner, and Blakey last?
- What specific actions are being taken to rebuild the 'Bloods' culture beyond breathwork and mutual support?
- Will the increased cross-team support translate to improved on-field performance in upcoming matches?