Sydney chairman Andrew Pridham has apologised to the Jewish community, after it failed to receive a mention during a speech from the club during Opening Round about the Bondi Beach terror attack.

Swans chief Matthew Pavlich made the speech, paying tribute to the victims of the December 14 shooting and praising first responders.

But it was later pointed out by former Sydney star Gerard Healy that Pavlich’s speech did not actually mention the Jewish community at all.

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Matthew Pavlich, CEO of the Swans, speaks on the Bondi terror attack.  AFL Photos via Getty Images

“They’re a bit messy at the moment, I’ve got to say, for something that was so fundamentally magnificent last week to start the footy season, and it was a simple error of judgement,” Healy told SEN.

“I didn’t pick it up, but the reality was that the word ‘Jew’ wasn’t mentioned at all on the night … and it’s upset a lot of Jewish people.”

Pridham released a statement on Saturday, taking full responsibility for the omission, but saying it was not an intentional snubbing.

“I am grateful to journalist and former Swans star Gerard Healy who called me yesterday to make me aware that our on-field tribute neglected to specifically name the Jewish community as the target of the Bondi shootings,” Pridham said.

“This was not intentional, we apologise for this omission. It was a Sydney Swans initiative, and a Swans-led event, and we take full responsibility.

“The tribute was a genuine attempt to show compassion to everyone impacted by the terrible events on 14 December – and most of all the Jewish community.

“The overwhelming majority of those who watched the tribute have expressed to me that they found it moving and appropriate. While not dismissing those disappointed in the wording of the tribute, I believe that it was clear to those at the game that we were indeed supporting the Jewish community following the attack on it.”

President of the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies, David Ossip, praised Pridham for his swift response to the omission while speaking at a Sydney function prior to their win over Brisbane last night.

First responders of the Bondi terror attack are acknowledged during the 2026 AFL Opening Round. AFL Photos via Getty Images

“The remarks of Swans chair Andrew Pridham prior to the match this evening reflect the unwavering support and care the Swans have extended to the Jewish community in the aftermath of the Bondi terrorist attack,” he said.

“Last week’s tribute, and the care which was extended to victims and their families on the night, was motivated by the purest of intent and was deeply appreciated by the Jewish community.”

AFL chief Andrew Dillon, meanwhile, said he didn’t know what was behind the omission when asked about Pavlich’s speech.

“I will start by saying the events of Bondi was an antisemitic attack on the community and at odds with Australia’s way of life and values. The tribute that was paid by the Swans and the AFL … you wish you didn’t have to do it,” Dillon told SEN on Saturday.

“It was the first game of the season in front of 40,000 at the SCG, a million on TV, it was the right forum for that; it was to pay tribute to members of the Jewish community that lost their lives, to pay tribute to their families who are suffered, the rest of the community and the first responders. That’s what’s important.

“I don’t know the ins and outs of scripts. Matthew did a great job of hosting that ceremony. It was the appropriate forum, and it paid tribute to the victims of a horrific attack on the Jewish community.”