The idea of an independant Australian Rules Football League started from a meeting at the Lismore Sports Club on 19th August 1983. At this point Lismore was the only Australian Football Club on the Far North, playing in the Gold Coast League. It was then that E. Meagher suggested a General Meeting to discuss staying in the Queensland competition.
The General Meeting was held nearly two month later on 6th September where newly elected president of the Lismroe Australian Football Club John Witty and his committee decided to withdraw from the Gold Coast League. The Lismore club was then split into four clubs; Lismore Roos, Goonellabah Swans, Ballina Bombers and Byron Bay Magpies. The Summerland Australian Rules Football League was created.
The Swans' first game in the new league was held in Lismore v North Coffs Harbour. Although going down by 16 points the Swans showed great promise and many Lismore supporters commented on the threat from the hill.
Shortly after it was decided that the Goonellabah Swans become the Goonellabah/Alstonville Swans.
Peter Stephens took over as Captain/Coach in the first year and led the Swans to the iinaugural Premiership.
This was a huge boost for the club profile with the Swans moving to Clifford Park in 1985. Starting with nothing the club later purchased and erected lights, poles, an electrical box, scoreboard, built changerooms with showers and an awaning with a level canteen area supported by a rock wall.
Murwillumbah Hawks joined the SAFL in 1986, folding in 1999 due to lack of numbers.
Nimbin Demons joined the SAFL in 1988 folding to on an off the field pressures iun 1994 before restarting in 2001 with an absence in 2006.
Grafton Tigers joined the SAFL in 1994 and resigned in 2002 to play in the Mid North Coast League.
Lismore Roos folded in 1999 due to bankruptcy.
The Goonellabah/Alstonville Swans moved to thir new home at Mortimor Oval in 2003 and became the Lismore Swans.
Casino Lions joined the SAFL in 2003.
Tweed Coast Tigers joined the SAFL in 2009.
A new and improved Swans rejuvenated the Club in 2009 & 2010 with its exciting running game never seen before in the SAFL providing brilliant grand final matches in both years.
2011 the Lismore Swans broke their premiership drought against all odds with an outstanding performance to defeat the Tweed Coast Tigers and win their first premiership in 27 years.
From ducklings to glorious, graceful Swans, the team are only getting better!
Last Modified on 08/04/2012 22:06