The Sydney Swans have been thrust into the spotlight over a jarring omission from a pre-game ceremony ahead of their Opening Round encounter.
At the SCG on March 5, the club hosted Carlton in the first game of the 2026 season where they recognised and honoured the victims and first responders involved in the tragic Bondi terrorist attack.
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Club CEO Matthew Pavlich addressed the crowd with a rousing speech, on Thursday night however it was revealed by Gerard Healy that not once was there a mention of the Jewish community.
You can read Pavlich’s speech below or watch it in the video player above
The 1988 Brownlow Medal winner revealed the script for Pavlich’s pre-game remarks had been altered prior to the game.
“Everyone was honoured on the night, the victims, the survivors, first responders and the heroic Ahmed Al Ahmed, everyone that is, except the Australian Jewish communities, who were also indirect victims, many of whom are still suffering, and we’re looking for specific validation,” Healy said on SEN.
“Now, I didn’t pick it up, but the reality was that the word Jew wasn’t mentioned at all on the night … and it’s upset a lot of Jewish people.
“I’ve spoken to (Sydney chair) Andrew Pridham about it (because) there’s been a lot of, “why did it happen?’ (It’s) because the script was changed.
“The script was changed. Initially, it had, we stand with the Jewish community and for whatever reason, and I think it was to just be more inclusive.
“I’ve got to say I didn’t pick it up on the night. I was really proud of the club and what they did, but when I saw it, I thought … oh gee … that’s a jarring omission. That is a jarring omission.”
AFL boss Andrew Dillon was asked about the omission during the Sydney tribute on Saturday morning.
“I will start by saying that the events of Bondi was an antisemitic attack on the Jewish community and completely at odds with Australia’s way of life and their values,” Dillon said on SEN.
“I think the tribute that was paid by the Sydney Swans in conjunction with the AFL, you wish you didn’t have to do it, but it was the first game of the season in front of 40,000 people at the SCG, in front of over a million people on television and streaming.
“It was the right forum for that, and it was to pay tribute to the members of the Jewish community who lost their lives, to pay tribute to their families who are suffering now, and the rest of the community that are suffering, and also the first responders.
“And I think that’s what’s important.”
Dillon was asked if it was an “error” to have the word Jew or any reference to the Jewish community taken out of the speech. The AFL boss said he wasn’t across the ins and outs.
“But I think Matthew (Pavlich) did a great job of hosting that ceremony. And again, I think it was the appropriate forum, and it paid tribute to those victims (of) what was a horrific attack on the Jewish community.”
Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham is reportedly set to address the issue ahead of the club’s clash against Brisbane at the SCG on Saturday night.
Matthew Pavlich’s pre-game speech
“On behalf of the Sydney football club and the wider AFL community we come to honour those who were injured and those who lost their lives at Bondi Beach in December,” he said.
“Tonight we stand with their families and friends united.
“We also acknowledge the many brave men and women who assisted on the day and in the days and weeks which followed.
“Tonight we are joined by representatives from our brave first responders.
“Thank you for your outstanding contribution. To all in our community we stand with you.
“At the Sydney Swans respect is at the core of what we do. We want all to ensure that this is the experience they have of all the people who connect with our club and the great game of AFL.
“At the Sydney Swans, everyone is welcome.”
