Vale Bob Swanson

The South Adelaide Football Club is deeply saddened by the passing of Life Member Bob Swanson over the weekend.

Bob was one of the great stalwarts of the Club, giving more than 50 years of service across playing, volunteer, committee and leadership roles.

His journey with South Adelaide began in 1964, when he joined the Club’s junior ranks. He played four years with the Cubs, two years with the Thirds, captaining the side in 1971, and one game with the Seconds in 1972.

After many years playing community football, Bob returned as Reserves Runner in 1968 and continued to serve the Club in many important ways. He was a member of the Past Players Committee from 1990 to 2003, served on the South Adelaide Board in 1996 and 1997, and stepped in as acting CEO for three months in 1997.

Bob’s commitment to the Past Players and Officials Association was extraordinary. As President for twelve years, and as a committee member for decades, he helped keep former players and officials connected to each other and to the Club they loved.

Together with great mates David Earl and the late Gary Mousley, Bob helped make the Hut on the Hill a special part of South Adelaide match days, a place of friendship, fundraising, memories and unmistakable Panther spirit.

Bob was awarded Life Membership in 2017, fitting recognition for a lifetime of loyalty passion and service.

Condolences to his wife Carolyn, children Ben and Hayley their family, friends, former teammates, fellow officials and the wider South Adelaide community. 

The South Adelaide Football Club will wear black arm bands across all grades this weekend.