Sydney Swans 2005 Premiership Team Reflects on Iconic Victory and Predicts 2024 AFL Grand Final Outcome

In a moment etched into Australian Football League (AFL) history, Leo Barry‘s extraordinary mark in the dying seconds of the 2005 AFL Grand Final sealed a historic victory for the Sydney Swans over the West Coast Eagles. This narrow 58-54 win ended a 72-year premiership drought, dating back to 1933 when the team was known as South Melbourne. The famous call by commentator Stephen Quartermain, “Leo Barry, you star!” has since become synonymous with this thrilling decider.

The Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles would continue to foster a fierce rivalry, as the Eagles claimed victory in the rematch during the following year’s final by a margin of under a kick. During a span from September 2005 to March 2007, the two clubs faced off in several tightly contested games, with margins never greater than four points, showcasing a rivalry reminiscent of two evenly matched boxers going twelve rounds each time they met.

Looking at the forthcoming 2024 AFL Grand Final, 11 members of the 2005 team, as reported by foxfooty.com.au, believe that the Swans are well-positioned to claim their third premiership in 19 years when they meet the Brisbane Lions on Saturday. Former players, now mentors and coaches in various capacities, are once again backing the Swans, with numerous predictions favoring Isaac Heeney, a standout performer in recent finals, to clinch the Norm Smith Medal.

Paul Roos, who coached the 2005 Swans, shared his excitement about the historic win, noting the immense emotional impact and the endurance required to achieve such success. Roos, now living in Hawaii and involved in leadership mentoring, expressed confidence in the current team’s potential.

Nick Davis, remembered for his crucial semi-final performance against Geelong, reflected on the unique energy of that 2005 Grand Final and currently serves as a senior assistant coach for the Swans’ AFL Women’s side. Davis predicts a close game but leans towards the Swans prevailing by 15 points.

Ryan O’Keefe, another integral part of the 2005 squad, is now working to develop the game at a community level in New South Wales. He admires Isaac Heeney’s performance and believes Heeny will be instrumental in the game’s outcome.

Other 2005 premiership players, including Adam Schneider, Paul Williams, and Tadhg Kennelly, who have either returned to their roots or pursued mainstream careers, continue to uphold ties to the game. They have also expressed their predictions for the upcoming final, typically endorsing Heeney or other notable players such as Errol Gulden and Chad Warner to shine.

Leo Barry, now a portfolio manager, fondly recalls the famed mark that became a defining symbol of the Swans’ victory and predicts a thrilling contest with Sydney emerging victorious.

As anticipation mounts for the 2024 Grand Final, the reflections of the 2005 premiership team serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of one of the AFL’s most memorable games, while the Swans strive to create new history against the Brisbane Lions.