Roger Sillence from South Melbourne

South Melbourne Swans

O6:00am Monday morning Graham Yallop told me, it had been a long flight.

11:30am Tuesday morning marking my run in my first game for the South Melbourne Swans seemed as if I would have to run a mile, we lost but only just, I took 3/48.

Going in the clubrooms afterwards I soon learnt what a great and proud club I had joined, no more than the only female president in the history of the game Joan Holdsworth. In her 80's and after 30 years as a follower and 18 as president whenever I see her I ask how she is, the reply batting on dear, batting on. On the wall are photographs of 7 Australian captains from 1880's to the present day and over 50 Australian test players have represented the club including Keith Miller some would say the worlds best ever all rounder, and Damien Fleming the clubs most recent test player. Former state player Grant Gardiner is the current first team captain and past overseas players include Clive Lloyd, Gus Logie and Mark Butcher. I knew then that the cricket and the club was just what I was looking for.

We train Tuesday and Thursday nights with the help of ex test captain Graham Yallop and play Saturday - Saturday 2 day games on what can only be described as the Hume Highway versus some of the best players in the state when not on Victorian duty such as J Moss, B Hodge and our own I Harvey.

I am very lucky to be playing at this remarkable club with wonderful people and a huge history; I can honestly say I am proud to be a swan.