After getting drafted in 2010, David Swallow finally gets to 100 games

HE was Gold Coast’s No.1 pick in its first draft but David Swallow has had to earn every game he played as he runs out for his 100th game this weekend.

Swallow (right) with Harley Bennell and Sam Day after they were drafted in 2010.

IF YOU can’t play a major milestone of your career on your home ground, next best must be in your home city.

David Swallow will run out for his 100th game for the Gold Coast at Perth’s new Optus Stadium on Saturday night and while many of his teammates were gifted plenty of games on the way to their own milestones, the gutsy midfielder has earnt every one of his the hard way.

The club’s No.1 pick in its first draft was one of the most hyped teenagers ever but has had to watch nine teammates get to the ton before him because of two years wiped out by a serious knee injury.

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Although he downplays those tough times, there were real concerns he may not play again.

“Obviously there were times when I was struggling to get my body right and it (doubt) does creep into your mind,” Swallow said.

“But the body’s feeling really good at the moment and I’m enjoying being out there.”

When he has been fit Swallow has lived up to expectations, never out of the top 10 in club champion voting in a season where he has managed more than 10 games and with a win in 2014 and a second place last year book-ending his two years on the sidelines.

Gold Coast star David Swallow ahead of his 100th Suns game. Picture: Adam Head

Swallow left Perth at 16 to join the Suns for their first season in the VFL, finishing fourth in the JJ Liston Trophy as that competition’s best and fairest despite playing just 14 games against hardened men and AFL-listed players.

Only Rory Thompson, who was at the club as a local access selection, remains from that inaugural crop, and the pair have seen plenty of change, including three coaches, three CEOs, two chairmen and a revolving door of teammates.

Swallow hopes their first run at Perth’s new stadium could produce the biggest crowd of his career.

His instructions to Suns officials is to get their hands on as many tickets as possible so, while the crowd will be almost exclusively pro-purple in support of Fremantle, there might be a pocket in red.

“I’d expect it to be hostile,” Swallow said.

“We know what it can be like over there, they’re very passionate.

“You love playing in front of the big crowds when you can, especially for us because we don’t get the opportunities like the other clubs.’’

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Originally published as After getting drafted in 2010, David Swallow finally gets to 100 games