The Sydney Swans are mourning the death of one of their biggest and most recognisable supporters, Kenny Williams – their ‘hydration specialist’, club song lead singer, and a fixture of the AFL side’s changeroom for decades.
Williams died on Tuesday, aged 93, triggering an outpouring of tributes from ex-players and fans alike.
Iconic Swans fan Kenny Williams has passed away, aged 93.Credit:James Brickwood
Invited by then-coach Ron Barassi to run water at training for the Swans in the early 1990s, Williams never really left, weaving himself into the club’s fabric as the unmistakeable leader of their post-match victory song.
He was a lifelong follower of the Swans, and was in the stands at the MCG as a four-year-old when Sydney – then known as South Melbourne – won their third VFL/AFL premiership in 1933.
Swans star Jude Bolton with Kenny Williams after their drought-breaking 2012 grand final win.Credit:Paul Rovere
And he was there again, 72 years later, kick-starting the Swans’ celebrations in 2005 after Paul Roos’ men beat West Coast in the AFL grand final to snap their long premiership drought.
“A man who brought so much cheer to all who knew him,” the club tweeted on Wednesday morning.
“We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Kenny Williams, an amazing man who dedicated his life to the red & white. We send our condolences to Yvonne, Dianne, his family & friends during this time.”
Swans great Jude Bolton described Williams as a “legend” of the club. “93 years filled to the brim loving his family, his sports & a good time,” Bolton said. “Always cherished Kenny Williams’ passionate post-game singing, his support for us as chief @Sydneyswans hydrationist & advice over a home-cooked meal.”
Williams grew up in South Melbourne, the Swans’ original home, but moved to Sydney in 1949 to work as a jockey – preceding the club’s relocation to the harbour city by 33 years.
Since the moment Barassi first brought him into the team environment, and Rodney Eade gave him the honour of leading the club song, Williams would rarely miss training sessions – let alone matches, where his shock of white hair in the Swans’ rooms after a game became part of the club’s furniture.
Over time, he would become a mentor of sorts to players, as he and his wife Yvonne opened the doors of their home to host stars like Bolton, Adam Goodes, Barry Hall and Leo Barry for dinner.
“Everyone’s always been very kind to me. The club has been enormous. I’ve been in the thick of things all the time,” Williams told the Swans’ website three years ago, when the club celebrated his 90th birthday.
“I’ve always gone to training, and I’ll never forget all the people I’ve met along the way.”
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