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 posted their first away victory in round 10 of the 2009 season against the High Park Demons at Humber College North.
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.
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.