Nicole McKenna’s journey with the Sydney Swans began far from the Harbour City. Originally from Victoria, she grew up a passionate supporter of the Collingwood Football Club. But everything changed when she moved to Paddington, a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, with her two young children. As she settled into her new community, McKenna found herself drawn to the Sydney Swans, captivated by the energy and spirit of the club.
“I’ve always loved the game,” McKenna says. “It brings me so much joy, heartache, and pleasure all at once.” After years of cheering for the Swans and becoming what she describes as a “die-hard fan,” McKenna’s connection to the club deepened even further when she was introduced to the AFLW program in its early days. This opportunity allowed her to not just support the team but to actively contribute to its growth.
As McKenna became more involved, she discovered a sense of belonging and community that was truly unique to the Sydney Swans. When the chance to support the club through the locker donation program arose, McKenna eagerly stepped forward. “I knew the club needed donations for the locker program, and it felt like the perfect way for me to help,” she explains. This led to a close relationship with Lexi Hamilton, one of the players, and soon after, McKenna was introduced to Lexi’s family—her sister Cynthia, their parents, and grandmother. This personal connection deepened her sense of involvement with the team.
“The locker is a very personal space for each player. It’s like a little window into who they are,” McKenna reflects. Supporting the locker program allowed her to offer something tangible and meaningful to the players, which she finds uniquely fulfilling.
Now in her early twenties, McKenna’s daughters have grown up watching their mother support the AFLW, and for McKenna, this has become more than just a passion—it’s a lesson in empowering women. “My daughters, like me, want to see women succeed and do whatever they set their minds to,” she says. “These players represent what’s possible for every woman, including girls like