Swans grieve loss of stalwarts John Payne and Kenny Williams
BY Rob Forsaith
AFL
Sydney have lost much-loved club legends John Payne and Kenny Williams with the Swans family in mourning.
Payne passed away at the age of 73 and Williams, who died at the age of 93, will be remembered as the red-and-white face of the Swans.
Williams was a regular at training sessions since the Ron Barassi days, supplying water to players, then performing the role of team-song maestro.
Video: Channel 7
Williams
Williams
Payne lacked Williams’ profile, but the self-effacing force of nature left an indelible mark on the club as team manager.
Head coach of the Sydney Swans John Longmire noted the “unofficial welfare” support offered by Payne and Williams was undeniably important.
John Longmire
"As a footy club, one of our strengths is having so many players from interstate, but that requires a level of care. They fostered that environment. They’ve been so critical for a generation of players who came through."