For Sydney fans, it started in 2003. And for Geelong’s faithful, it begun in 2007. It, being one of the most extraordinary runs of longevity two clubs have ever had in the AFL’s modern era, with continued success that stretches back to the front end of the millennium.
This Sunday’s blockbuster meeting at the SCG between the top-of-the-table Swans and third-placed Cats almost serves as a match of celebration for two clubs who have mixed it with the best year in, year out across two decades without succumbing to the dreaded rebuild. The secret? Good people. One AFL champion who has lived through the highest of highs within those four walls is three-time premiership player Cameron Mooney, who won two of his three flags at the Cats during the start of their elongated rise.
Speaking exclusively to ahead of Sunday’s clash of the titans, Mooney revealed what characteristics he believed have played a role in not just his own club’s longevity, but also that of Sydney. “This could go for both clubs – I know Tommy Harley (premiership teammate and Sydney CEO) obviously very well – he goes down the same path of wanting good people,” Mooney said when asked about the Cats and Swans’ sustained success,” Mooney said. “If you’ve got good people at your footy club, it’s amazing just how well things run; obviously people that are very good at their jobs helps, but it’s just something I know Brian Cook (former Geelong CEO) was always big on, Frank Costa (former Geelo.
