Nangwarry is set to host a football feast on Saturday as Collingwood legend and premiership player Dane Swan makes a special appearance for the Saints in their round one clash against Mount Burr.
During his 13-year playing career, Swan collected plenty of accolades, including being a three-time best and fairest winner for the Pies.
Swan was a crucial player in the 2010 premiership win over St Kilda recording 26 disposals and a goal in the replay, winning the Brownlow Medal the following year in a dominant season where he averaged 31 disposals and kicked 32 goals.
He also collected two Anzac Day medals in 2012 and 2014.
Swan, a five time all Australian, returned to the region’s football fields earlier this year to feature in the switch the headspace charity match for a mental health at East Gambier.
Despite retiring from the AFL, Swan has continued to play football at the local level, and has previously turned out for the South Metro Junior Football League, as well as playing in a charity match in Tasmania in 2018.
Swan’s inclusion in the Nangwarry team has generated a great deal of excitement amongst local football fans, who are eager to see the former AFL star in action.
Swan is expected to bring a wealth of experience and skill to the Nangwarry side, as well as a level of professionalism and dedication that will inspire his teammates.
Nangwarry Football Club president Shane Ploenges said excitement was building for the match, attracting plenty of community interest.
“It will be a great spectacle I think, it has had a lot of interest from all over the place so hopefully we will get a good crowd and the weather gods will look after us,” Ploenges said.
“The guys would not have the opportunity to play with someone like that, most of them anyways, so that is really great, especially the young players in the team they will get to learn a bit from the way he goes about his footy.
“There has been a lot of feedback from a lot of people they are all looking forward to it.
“There has been a lot of work put into it so hopefully it will all pay off, we have had some great sponsors come on board to help make the day possible, so that is really appreciated.
“Thanks to everyone that has been involved in making it happen and hopefully it all goes smoothly and makes it all worthwhile.”
