Now, it’s not like anyone was expecting Sydney Swans fans to go so mental over making the AFL Grand Final that they ran out and painted their fences and pubs red & white. In some ways, the fact that they didn’t is completely understandable.

Unlike the Western Bulldogs, Swans fans have only had to wait 2 years since their last Grand Final appearance: 2014’s disastrous flogging at the hands of Hawthorn. And it’s only been four years since the Swans last hoisted the cup themselves, with the memory of the triumphant 2012 flag victory still fresh in the minds of the Bloods faithful.

Even further still, the Swans finished on top of the AFL ladder as the minor premiers. Save for a minor hiccup against the GWS Giants in their Qualifying Final, they’ve cruised through the finals thus far, summarily dispatching Geelong last week in their preliminary final. For all intents and purposes, they’re supposed to be in Grand Final.

So unlike the DogsMania that has swept across Melbourne and caused several pubs to turn red, white, and blue in celebration of Footscray’s first VFL/AFL Grand Final appearance in 55 years, the reaction from Sydney’s fans has been far more subdued. But while there’s no fence painting or tattooing and the like, do not for a second think that people in Sydney and beyond aren’t jazzed AF on the thought of a sixth Swans premiership.

The Bulldogs might have a Hemsworth, but the Swans have a (significantly less-jacked) Luke Jacobz.

@chrishemsworth This is what finals are all about ! #proudlysydney BUT MAYBE you trained more than me for this pic ….

A photo posted by Luke Jacobz (@lukejacobz) on

And if that alone weren’t enough of a reminder that Summer Bay is firmly in Swans territory, then cop a little bonus Irene for good measure.

Just because they’re not painting their fences or their pubs or their vans and whatnot, doesn’t mean that the Swannies contingent haven’t been painting at all.

One fan celebrated the Grand Final berth with this meticulously crafted set of nail art…

…while another went full William Wallace for the Perth Kilt Run which is, uh, apparently a thing.

But by and large, Swans fans have been showing their support through the utter majesty of putting footy merch on dogs. Which is, frankly, the reason why you’re reading this.

I mean, I would crack wise at the irony of their opponent being the Dogs, but why bother when POOCHIES!

All set for the big game tonight. Sheba has her money on The Swans! #goswans #sydneyswans #HCFgoswans #proudlysydney #redandwhitearmy #redandwhite #germanshepherd #germanshepherdsofinstagram #gsd #gsdofinstagram #dog #dogsofig #dogsofinstagram #dogsofinstaworld #dogsofinsta

A photo posted by sandra_bollocks (@sandra_bollocks) on

We’re doing some reading before the big game. Can’t wait to see the boys out there. Show those pussy cats how it’s done! We’re #proudlysydney ?????? #sydneyswans #goswans #afl #gobloods #goswans #swansvcats #sydneydogs #aussieinstadogs #aussiedogs #dogswholovefootball #dogsofinstagram #applaws4swans #aflcatsvswans

A photo posted by Gemma and Ollie (@gemma_and_ollie) on

Getting ready for Saturday! Let’s go Sydney! #proudlysydney #goswans #sydneyswans #frenchbulldog #frenchie #frenchielove #frenchiesofinstagram #instafrenchie #frenchiegram #frenchielife #frenchiepuppy #frenchieoftheday #bully #loveabully #ilovemyfrenchie #furbaby #theflatnosedogsociety #thefrenchiepost #thefrenchiehub #mannysbuddyoftheweek #petscorner #instadog #dogsofinstagram #pawsomefrenchies #squishyface #squishyfacecrew #browneyedgirl

A photo posted by Paris ?? (@paris_ourfrenchiebaby) on

Mindy! ???? #ProudlySydney #AFLGF #Swans #Woof #FoxTerriersofInstagram

A photo posted by Brianna Travers (@briannatravers) on

This dog loves her Swans #proudlysydney#goswans

A photo posted by @sjmitchell62k on

Izak reckons his namesake @isaacheeney and @sydneyswans teammates will poll well in the #brownlow tonight. #ProudlySydney #dogsofinstagram #blacklabrador #labsofinstagram #dogsofmelbourne #melbourne #blacklab #bloods #AFL #labradorretriever

A photo posted by Izak (@izakinsta) on

Very proud of @sydneyswans for making it through to the grand final this week! ?? Love from Choco #supportingfor12years #seniordog #aflfinals #proudlysydney ????????

A photo posted by Chocolate and Sam (@chocolateandsam) on

Don’t be fooled by his facial expression, Lenny is super excited about the Grand Final! #goswans #proudlysydney #applaws4swans #SherrinMyPassion @sherrinaus #lennythebulldog #afl #fairviewfarmhouse #surfcoast

A photo posted by •Lauren• Fairview Farmhouse (@fairview_farmhouse) on

#proudlysydney ready for the grand finals!!!

A photo posted by Scout The Kelpie Cross (@scout__reddog) on

Cheering for the Sydney Swans and my favourite player @buddy_franklin23 – Buddy ?????????? #proudlysydney #aussiebulldog #buddyfranklin

A photo posted by Billie and Buddy (@billieandbuddythebullies) on

She’s excited on the inside. Lets go #SydneySwans #ProudlySydney #neopolitanmastiff #frenchmastiff

A photo posted by Claire Mulholland (@clairemulholland95) on

Either way, the Grand Final’s gonna be a bloody good day for Dogs, I can tell you that.

‘Course there’s also this mightily ominous omen…

Grand Final Omens: Monday, facial tissues. #sydneyswans #proudlysydney #aflfinals

A photo posted by Mathilde de H (@mllemdeh) on

…but luckily there’s no such thing as a self-fulfilling prophecy, right?

Right??

*whimpers*

Photo: Scout Reddog/Instagram.

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