The Ottawa Swans are an Australian rules football club based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The club is notable as being the first and currently only Australian rules football club to represent the city of Ottawa.
The Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club played 3 exhibition games in 2007 before becoming a not-for-profit society in 2008. It entered the AFL Ontario (OAFL) as a member team in 2008, playing home games on a pitch built in the infield of the Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa's south end.
The inaugural team of the Ottawa Swans Australian Football Club was led on the field by captain Steve Spurrell and coached by Richard Keane, who also played in the majority of games.
The Swans' first victory (as part of the Ontario Australian Football League) occurred on 11 July 2009 in the 3rd annual Canada Day Cup. The Swans defeated the Guelph Gargoyles 13.8.86 to 3.7.25 at the Rideau Carleton Raceway. It took the Swans 20 games to get their first win (13 losses in the first season and 6 in the second).
The Swans posted their first away victory in round 10 of the 2009 season against the High Park Demons at Humber College North. The final score was 12.6.78 to 3.7.25 .
2012 saw the introduction of the women's team, finishing a very successful inaugural season in 2nd spot after the home and away season and 3rd overall after being defeated by the Hamilton Wildcats in the second week of finals.
The Swans' Men's first finals (post-season) berth occurred in season 2013 after finishing the season in 5th spot. They were defeated in the first round Elimination Final by the Toronto Rebels 5.10-40 to 1.9-15
In season 2014, the Swans women's squad won the first premiership in the club's history, defeating the Hamilton Wildcats in the Grand Final 7.9.51 to 2.2.14.
For the 2015 season the Women's team joined AFL Quebec, a 9-a-side competition, and split their team in two, competing as the Carleton Warriors and Rideau Shamrocks. The Men's team remained in AFL Ontario. The Carleton Warriors went on the win back to back Premierships in 2015 & 2016.
2018 saw the Ottawa Swans Men's team win their maiden premiership. This was due to the leadership of "Rocket" Frank, Nathan Strom and Matt Powell who were instrumental in building a competitive culture and recruiting Canadian players. After a perfect season having won all 12 regular season games, the Swans won all three finals including the Grand Final over the 2017 premiers the Toronto Eagles at Humber College South 10.10 70 - 6.5 41. The Women's side fought hard all season in their return to the AFLO. They took the battle to the Roos in the Grand Final, but lost.
In 2019, the Ottawa Swans Men's team continued to find success, winning all their regular season games and final matches en route to hard-fought victory against the Hamilton Wildcats to claim back to back Premierships. The Women's team put together an impressive regular season with only one loss but were not able to replicate their finals magic.
In 2020/2021, the AFL Ontario season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2024, the Pony Platter, a preseason exhibition tournament, expanded further to include the New York Magpies, Boston Demons, High Park Demons, and Edmonton AFC in addition to the Quebec Saints and Nova Scotia Pirates. This expansion also led to the introduction of a second playing field. The Swans introduced a new Indigenous jersey in collaboration with Kanyen’keha Artist Kory Parkin, which was unveiled at their Home Opener on June 8, 2024, during their designated Indigenous Round. A Pre-Game ceremony was held with a land acknowledgement and song from Mr. Greg Meekis, an Ojibway Cree from Sandy Lake First Nation, Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Resource Coordinator with the Odawa Native Friendship Centre, following by Anishinabe Hoop dancer Mekhena performing.
The Women's+ side finished the season with an undefeated record, the first in the AFLO comp since 2015. The Swans would defeat the Hamilton Wildcats in the Grand Final.
Club awards +(Men's) Best & Fairest(Men's) Runner Up Men(Women's) Best & Fairest(Women's) Runner Up WomenLife Members2024Ben StanzelTristan Picketts & James YoungLannie RichardsonVivian NguyenAmanda Paradis & Rod Frank2023James ClockRiley TurpinCaroline LeducBriana Fayad2022Jordan HarcombeJames ClockCharlotte BiotCaroline LeducEmma Dickinson & Jacob Plunkett-Latimer2019Cory TownderCameron BrownHolly VachonCharlotte BiotGreg Simpson & Nathan Strom & Matthew Powell2018Cameron RalphCameron BrownVivian NguyenRebecca RousseauMichael Beall & Joel Dawes & Yaser Abou Elenein2017Nathan StromGreg BridgesAnke PatzeltHolly Vachon2016Alex Huard, Blair Oliver, Nathan StromGreg BridgesVivian NguyenHolly Vachon2015Nathan StromJoel CrumminsHolly CostanzaVivian NguyenLisa Dalla Rosa2014Tom StaffordJoel CrumminsAimee LegaultVivian NguyenAlp Oran2013Nathan StromBrendan WoodsEmma DickinsonKirsten BodashefskyChris Lockhart2012Darren RoffeyMike KozlowskiEmma DickinsonHolly CostanzaChristopher MacLean2011Darren RoffeyBlake Hurley2010Darren RoffeyRyan GregoryTammy Bowen & Corey Bowen2009Luke WalshDarren Roffey & Richard KeaneRay Kaduck2008Luke WalshDarren RoffeySteve Spurrell & Richard Keane +(Men's) Rookie Of The Year(Women's) Rookie Of The Year2024James YoungLannie Richardson2023Clarence GayIsabel Kleinbub2022Matthew MakinEvaline Harmsen2019Geoff CoventryFilssan Houssein2018Brent Williams & Riley JosephErica Saabath2017Greg LaymanKrystal Novac2016Pablo JuarezBelinda Wozniak2015Ian BaldwinKelly Cambridge2014Jordan HardcombeLauren Stoot2013Brendan WoodsRoberta Kramchynsky2012Tyler MacLellan2011Thomas Delaney2010Jay Goldhawk2009Ryan Nader & Sean Robertson-Tait2008Ryan Gregory +(Men's) Most Consistent(Women's) Most Consistent2024Andrew MacDonaldIsabel Kleinbub & Amanda Irwin2023Corey HerringtonFilssan Houssein2022Joshua La PortaKyla Borden2019Yaser Abou Elenein & Joshua La PortaMargaret Werniuk2018Cameron BrownLisa Dalla Rosa2017Cameron BrownHolly Vachon2016Morgan WhyteVivian Nguyen2015Morgan WhyteVivian Nguyen2014Darren Roffey & Matthew PowellAimee Legault2013Nathan StromCatherine Geci2012Darren RoffeyHolly Costanza2011Darren Roffey2010Darren Roffey2009Darren Roffey2008Richard Keane +(Men's) Best CanadianMen's Best in FinalsWomen's Best in Finals2024Not AwardedNot AwardedNot Awarded2023Not AwardedNot AwardedNot Awarded2022Not AwardedNot AwardedNot Awarded2019Greg Bridges/Mic MasekCameron BrownKristina Bromley2018Jordan HarcombeNathan StromErica Saabath2017Mic Masek2016Morgan Whyte2015Nathan Strom2014Guy Joel Rocher2013Mike Kozlowski2012Mike Kozlowski2011Mike Kozlowski/Jay Goldhawk2010Chris Peck2009Chris Lockhart2008Jake Plunkett-Latimer
+(Men's) Best Defender(Women's) Best Defender2024Not AwardedNot Awarded2023Not AwardedNot Awarded2022Corey HerringtonMichelle Huard2019Lachie BrownHarmony Sluiman2018Michelle Huard2017Alana Sluiman2016Nathalie Presseau2015Kelly Cambridge2014Catherine Geci +(Men's) Most Improved(Women's) Most Improved20242023Andrew MacDonaldKyla Borden2022Michael MasekLeah McNamee2019Greg LaymanCharlotte Biot2018Mic MasekMargret Werniuk2017Derek PickettsCourtney Diotte2016Michael BeallBeth Sheffield2015Alex HuardMargaret Werniuk2014Bogdan RotaruVivian Nguyen 2013Jake Plunkett-LatimerHolly Costanza2012Alec Campbell2011Mike Kozlowski2010Chris Peck/Ryan Nader2009Zac Plunkett-Latimer2008Chris Lockhart +(Men's) Goalkicking Award(Women's) Goalkicking Award2025Jordan Harcombe Abby McDonald2024Geoffrey CoventryAmanda Irwin2023Geoffrey Coventry (11)Caroline Leduc (5)2022Jordan Harcombe (9)Caroline Leduc (3)2019Cory Townder (31)Amanda Smith2018Jordan Harcombe (31)Krystal Novac (15)2017Matthew PowellAmanda Paradis & Holly Vachon2016Matthew Powell (31)Belinda Wozniak2015Matthew Powell & Nathan Strom (18)Holly Costanza (22)2014Tom Stafford (26)Aimee Legault (7)2013Mike Kozlowski (21)Kirsten Bodashefsky (12)2012Darren Roffey (20)Emma Dickinson (17)2011Ryan Gregory (17)2010Corey Bowen (19)2009Darren Roffey (17)2008Darren Roffey (21) +(Men's) Keane's Coach's Award(Women's) Coach's Award2024Mathew MakinCharlotte Biot2023Tristan PickettsEvaline Harmsen2022Paul BarronFilssan Houssein2019Soman PanigrahiMichelle Huard2018Greg BridgesMichelle Huard2017Greg BridgesHarmony Sluiman2016Greg BridgesHolly Vachon2015Michael BeallLisa Dalla Rosa2014Joel CrimminsBrier Dodge2013Jack Beardmore/Andrew WilsonEmma Dickinson2012Charles BernardMeghan Haycock2011David Martin2010Jay Goldhawk2009Zac Plunkett-Latimer2008Seth Potter
+(Men's) Players Player(Women's) Players Player2024Olivier TrembleyEvaline Harmsen2023Not AwardedNot Awarded2022Greg BridgesCharlotte Biot
+Volunteer of the Year Award2024Connor Adair & Evaline Harmsen2023Brendan Boucher2022Yaser Abou Elenein2019Rob Harbic2018Pablo Juarez & Michelle Huard2017Amanda Paradis2016Lisa Dalla Rosa2015Alp Oran2014Charles Bernard2013Alp Oran2012Rob Paradis2011Benjamin Birt20102009Rob Duncan2008Tammy Bowen & Lisa Dalla Rosa
League awards Grand Final Best and Fairest
2024 Lannie Richardson (AFLO) 2018 Pat Eefting (AFLO)
2016 Belinda Wozniak (AFLQ) 2015 Ash Scott (AFLQ)
Best and Fairest
2025 Isabel Kleinbub (AFLO - Women's+) 2024 Filssan Houssein (AFLO - Women's+) 2022 Jordan Harcombe (AFLO - Men's) 2019 Cory Townder (AFLO - Men's) 2016 Belinda Wozniak (AFLQ - Women's) 2014 Tom Stafford (AFLO - Men's) Leading Goalkicker 2025 Abby McDonald (AFLO - Women's+) 2025 Jordan Harcombe (AFLO - Men's) 2024 Amanda Irwin (AFLO - Women's+) 2016 Belinda Wozniak (AFLQ - Women's)
Canadian Best and Fairest
2023 Riley Turpin (AFLO - Men's) 2018 Jordan Harcombe (AFLO - Men's) 2015 Nathan Strom (AFLO - Men's) Most Improved Player
2016 Dora Bartulovic (AFLQ - Women's)
Rookie Of The Year 2024 Lannie Richardson (AFLO - Women's+) 2018 Brent Williams (AFLO - Men's) 2016 Belinda Wozniak (AFLQ - Women's) 2012 Emma Dickinson (AFLO - Women's) 2008 Ryan Gregory (AFLO - Men's)
Coach Of The Year 2025 Yaser Abou Elenein (AFLO - Women's+) 2019 Nathan Strom (AFLO - Men's) 2019 Greg Simpson (AFLO - Women's) 2018 Matthew Powell (AFLO - Men's)
(Men's) OAFL All-Star Team 2025 James Clock, Jordan Harcombe, Geoff Coventry, Corey Herrington 2024 Ben Stanzel, Mathew Makin 2023 James Clock (Wing), Riley Turpin (Wing) 2022 Corey Herrington (CHB), Greg Bridges (HBF), James Clock (Wing), Geoff Coventry (HFF), Jordan Harcombe (FF), Michael Masek (I/C), Greg Bridges (assistant coach) 2019 John O'Connor, Cory Townder, Cameron Brown (VC), Greg Bridges, Mic Masek, Nathan Strom (coach) 2018 Jordan Harcombe, Alex Huard, Cameron Ralph, Cameron Brown, Mic Masek, Morgan Whyte, Nathan Strom, Matthew Powell (coach) 2017 Nathan Strom (Captain - HF), Jordan Harcombe (R), Ronan Shaughnessy (Bench), Morgan Whyte (Back), Matthew Powell (assistant coach) 2016 Nathan Strom (VC), Alex Huard (I/C), Morgan Whyte (Ruck), Ronan Shaughnessy (midfield), Blair Oliver (HF), Rod Frank (assistant coach) 2015 Nathan Strom (VC) (HFF), Jordan Harcombe, Ronan Shaughnessy 2014 Nathan Strom, Mike Kowzlowski, Ronan Shaughnessy, Tom Stafford, Rod Frank (assistant coach) 2013 Mike Kowzlowski (HF), Nathan Strom (Wing), Ronan Shaughnessy (I/C) Rod Frank (assistant coach) 2012 Mike Kozlowski (CHB) 2011 Chris Peck (Bench) 2008 Ryan Gregory (Bench)
(Men's) OAFL Canadian All-Ontario Team
2017 Nathan Strom (Captain - HF), Jordan Harcombe (R), Ronan Shaughnessy (HB), Morgan Whyte (HB), Matthew Powell (assistant coach)
(Women's+) OAFL/AFLQ All-Star Team 2025 Evaline Harmsen, Alanna Richardsn, Caroline Leduc, Filssan Houssein, Ricki-Lee Bloom, Abigail McDonald, Yaser Abou Elenein 2024 Charlotte Biot, Lannie Richardson, Amanda Irwin, FIlssan Houssein, Isabel Kleinbub (I/C), Yaser Abou Elenein (assistant coach) 2023 Charlotte Biot (Captain, CHB), Filssan Houssein (Centre), Caroline Leduc (HFF), Briana Fayad (FP), Evaline Harmsen (I/C), Isabel Kleinbub (I/C), Yaser Abou Elenein (assistant coach) 2022 Caroline Leduc (HFF), Charlotte Biot (I/C) Evaline Harmsen (I/C), Yaser Abou Elenein (assistant coach)