Former Yarrawonga Pigeon Caleb Mitchell formally received his red and white jumper at the 2023 Sydney Swans AFL Guernsey Presentation last week.
Caleb Mitchell, drafted at pick no.40 in the 2022 AFL draft, will wear number 35, worn previously by Swans Hall of Fame member, David Murphy who played 156 games from 1984-'93, and was named in the Swans Team of the Century.
The jumper presentation was held at the historic Sydney Cricket Ground with friends and family of the playing group joining club staff as they took to the field of play upon their arrival, before heading to the Noble Dining Room for the official presentation.
It was a night to remember for Caleb along with fellow new draftees Jacob Konstanty, Cooper Vickery, Cameron Owen, Jaiden Magor and Will Edwards, along with new recruits Aaron Francis and Hugo Hall-Kahan (2022 NAB Mid-Season Rookie Draft), as the contingent were officially welcomed into the Bloods family - and were handed their jumpers by club legends Michael O'Loughlin and Gerard Healy.
Sydney co-captain Dane Rampe spoke of the enormous pride that players have in receiving their inaugural jumper, and also for the families and friends who have made sacrifices to help them achieve their dream.
"It's a really special night, particularly for the players who are in their first year at the club, and their families as well," Rampe said.
"There's no doubt that they had an enormous impact on helping the players get to where they are today.
“They are all joining a club that is thriving, on and off the field, and there's no better time to be part of the Sydney Swans."
His sentiments were supported by an awe-inspiring speech from fellow co-captain, Luke Parker.
"Tonight, marks the start of another campaign for club. Some players have just received their first guernsey and their journey has just begun. It will be a journey that will be full of many challenges, but also one that will create incredible moments and memories," Parker said.
"Every day,I have the pleasure of seeing different journeys, but ones of the same values, taking place.
"These players are on different stages of their journey, and likely on different paths, but one thing that is clear, is these paths all have the same values, and are heading in the same direction."
The evening's proceedings culminated with a stirring toast made by former club captain Kieren Jack - a veteran of 256 games (2007-'19), Bob Skilton medallist (2010), All Australian representative (2013), and premiership winner (2012).
The Sydney Swans start their 2023 campaign against the Gold Coast Suns at Heritage Bank Stadium on March 18 with 49 point win and will return home to the SCG for their Round 2 match against Hawthorn this Sunday, March 26.
* Quotes courtesy of the Sydney Swans Football Club.