Sport
2 May, 2024
Dane Swan to play for Swans on special day for Natte Bealiba against rivals Navarre
The day that the Natte Bealiba Football Netball Club has been counting down for five months arrives tomorrow. Modern-day Collingwood great Dane Swan will make his presence felt around town, playing his one-off game for Natte when they take on...
The day that the Natte Bealiba Football Netball Club has been counting down for five months arrives tomorrow.
Modern-day Collingwood great Dane Swan will make his presence felt around town, playing his one-off game for Natte when they take on traditional Lexton League rivals Navarre in one of the biggest days promised at the newly-named CHS Broadbent Oval.
Not only do the Swans get the services of the 2011 Brownlow Medallist, but they’ll also have the 1994 and 1995 dual premiership team returning to the club for a reunion to celebrate 30 years since their Lexton Football League premierships.
Since Swan’s retirement in 2016 after 258 games, the aforementioned Brownlow Medal in 2011 and a premiership in 2010, he has made his way around multiple towns across Victoria to play one-off games, and is currently embarking on a tour across the country playing football for different clubs, including Kinglake in the Northern Football Netball League and Ararat Eagles in the Mininera and District Football League to start 2024.
After making the initial announcement just before Christmas, Natte coach Trent Mortlock — a devout Collingwood fan himself — is looking forward to playing alongside Swan tomorrow.
“It’s certainly exciting. We always highlight Navarre in the calendar, regardless of our positions or what’s going on that day, but to add in Collingwood AFL legend Dane Swan and bring back some local legends, it’s going to be a big day,” he said.
Mortlock says when the idea was presented to him, he was very quick to explore the possibility of luring Swan, thanks to an existing relationship with Ricky Nixon, who organises games Swan plays in.
“Our assistant coach was the one who suggested it, who got in touch with Ricky Nixon and then got in touch with me, so we were on it early and we got to pick our day. It all stemmed from them, and we had to lock away a date that suited both parties, and it’s all systems go,” he said.
“When it got suggested to me, I didn’t knock it back. It wasn’t my idea, but I was all ears when I heard it. We’ve had Ricky Nixon come to us before, and he was good value, so it should be fun.”
Clubs across the state have benefitted greatly from the likes of Swan and former AFL players playing for local clubs thanks to programs like The Carlton Draft, which has previously seen Alex Rance play for Campbells Creek in 2022 and Bernie Vince represent the Maryborough Rovers in 2023, and Mortlock sees the value in bringing in AFL players for one-off games.
“I think it’s good that there are programs such as The Carlton Draft that gives back to local footy, and with what Swan is doing as well, there’s plenty of other ex-AFL players that go around too. It’s good to see those big-name players that have achieved a lot in footy giving back to local clubs, which is good,” he said.
Natte are favoured to win tomorrow, having opened their season with two strong wins, while Navarre are looking to bounce back from consecutive 10-goal defeats, and with Swan’s presence, as well as the background of a fiery semi-final in 2023, another layer is added to what is already a much-anticipated day on the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League calendar.
Mortlock says it’s now an opportunity to bring in a bigger crowd than a game against the Hoppers traditionally brings.
“Dane Swan is the type of character that, whether you love or hate Collingwood, you can get around him and his laidback nature,” he said.
“He is certainly someone that we thought would be a fantastic fit to draw a bigger crowd than we usually do with Navarre, which is always a fantastic day regardless of what’s going on.”
The day will see the Swans play as normal against the Hoppers, while the 1994 and 1995 premiership players will also have their reunion. Following the game, Swan and Nixon will host their sportsman’s night at the club.
Mortlock says it is a highlight of the year.
“Reunions are my favourite day of the year, when you get old members and players back to the club, telling old stories and talking about the years gone by, as well as their favourite moments from their time at Natte. It’s great when you get those familiar faces back to the club to share their stories, and they’re fantastic nights,” he said.
“I presume Dane will roll in around midday, and with a 2.35 pm game, he’ll play then and afterwards, at 7.30 pm, we’ll start the Sportsman’s Night.”
Mortlock says Swan has the opportunity to name his position, but will also be asked to ensure he is able to pass on his wisdom to an impressionable group of young Swans which has excelled to start the season.
“Swanny, being a Brownlow Medallist, he can name his position and he can do as he pleases, but it will be fantastic for him to give a bit of wisdom to our midfielders and forwards and the tips and tricks he has learned across his journey, and it will be great to learn a few things and bounce ideas off of him too,” he said.
Mortlock urged the whole community to support the event tomorrow.
“We want to try and get as many people to the game on Saturday, and having a marquee player like Dane Swan pull on the red and white, it’s something that doesn’t happen often, let alone in our own region,” he said.
“We’re hoping the wider community and people that may not typically watch a game of footy, come around and watch Dane Swan have a kick.
“It’s a great day to showcase what Natte Bealiba is as a club, a community and a family, as I like to put it.”