Dane Swan laments groundhog Father’s Day celebration

Collingwood great Dane Swan says fatherhood has changed him but he’s not happy lockdowns have kept US family from seeing his son.

Dane Swan says the birth of son Tate has changed him.

Dane Swan would love to be spending his first Father’s Day with relatives in the US.

The Collingwood champion and partner Taylor Wilson welcomed son Tate in February but she hasn’t been able to see her family through pregnancy to parenthood.

“We’ll definitely go back for a while when we can,’’ Swan said.

“It would be nice to get on a plane and especially for Taylor to see her family. It’s been hard on her, we keep saying it’s nearly finishing but it’s just not.

“Everyone says they can’t remember what they did before having a baby, well I can.

Dane Swan and son Tate.

Swan hopes to be able to take Tate to the US soon.

“Kids won’t believe us when we say we weren’t allowed to leave the house.”

Swan says becoming a father has changed him for the better.

The Brownlow medallist also has a new-found appreciation for single parents.

“It definitely changes you,’’ Swan said.

“I do stupid stuff and try and make him laugh. That’s my role in the family to make him laugh.

“They’re like a plant the first few months, you feed it and watch it grow.

“I have so much more respect for single parents.

“When Taylor was asleep after her (Covid) jab I’ve never sweated so much, just panicking if he’s OK. Especially if you’re a single mother or have twins, you appreciate how hard it would be to raise a child all on your own.”

Swan says Sunday will be like “groundhog day”.

“I’ll be doing absolutely nothing like everyone else,’’ he said.

He’s been in demand this week for video messaging platform, Swysh, who donate a minimum of 20 per cent of proceeds from the sale of each video to local children’s charities including Starlight Children’s Foundation and Variety Children’s Charity.

“I love having a laugh and roasting people,’’ Swan said.

“But I haven’t broken up with someone yet.”