Swinburne Razorbacks celebrate 30 Years

The Swinburne Razorbacks celebrated 30 years since the Club’s founding last weekend with a big day at St James Park, followed by a Gala Event where nearly 150 of the Razorback faithful packed out the Carlton Brewhouse, with people coming from interstate and overseas to be a part of the special evening.

The Club honoured each of the three decades it has been going separately with now life member Shane Lee leading off recounting the story of how Richard Pratt founded the Club, found its first coach, former VFL coach Keith McKenzie, and gave $20,000 to get the club going in the early years.

Team of the Decade members who attended including Carmelo ‘Bull’ Dell’Olio who cemented his legacy as a Razorback legend by being the Razorback to have made all three teams of the decades. Bull currently coaches the Wattle Park women’s side.

The Club inducted 11 new life members on the night, increasing the number of life members from 6 to 17, giving some recognition to the greats who have given so much to the Club and made it what it is today.

The Club was pleased to induct its first three female life members, including the Club’s first female President Steph McInnes who flew down from Brisbane to accept the nomination, while her partner Hayley was named full forward in the team of the decade (a secret Steph surprised her with on the night).

Swinburne also hosted a Luncheon at St James Park during the day as the Seniors and Reserves faced off against Richmond Centrals in Division 3 Men’s.

The luncheon was joined by VAFA Board members Joan Eddy, Matt Scholten and VAFA CEO Jason Reddick, as well as John Pesutto and Monique Ryan.

The Club was pleased to unveil two new honour boards as well as announcing a new funding agreement with Swinburne University which was achieved with the help of the VAFA, MR Pesutto and Dr Ryan.