Former Magpies champion Dane Swan is supporting local businesses in his neighbourhood
Former Collingwood star Dane Swan understands the real struggle businesses are going through due to COVID-19. Now he is pitching in to help local traders on Chapel St and revealed he’s taken up a new hobby in isolation.
Confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Dane Swan is putting his hand up to give local businesses a boost in his neighbourhood.
The Collingwood premiership player is supporting the Chapel Street Precinct and will produce daily videos to keep people updated on local offerings during the coronavirus crisis.
“I’ve got nothing else to do really,’’ said Swan, a Prahran resident.
“Everyone needs help and it’s my area so it’s actually true. I’m being genuine and trying to help businesses grow and I’ve got a few businesses myself which have stopped trading so I understand.
“If I can help one extra person or takeaway store, or clothes, or fitness outlets, I’ve done my job.”
The Brownlow medallist has been isolating with girlfriend Taylor Wilson, who has helped him with some new hobbies — including relearning to play the piano.
“We’ve been cooking, doing jigsaw puzzles and all kinds of stuff,’’ Swan said.
“I always said for some reason the instrument that most appealed to me was the piano. For my birthday Taylor bought me lessons so I went and it was probably the most intimidating hour of my week.
“You’ve got eight year-olds just playing majestic music and I’m absolutely horrendous at it. “But I got better and I started to play again when I retired and it went by the way side, but the piano is in the front room now and I have time to get back into it.”
He also said he was missing footy but urged the AFL to be cautious with its resumption date.
“You don’t understand how much sport influences our lives, especially in Melbourne,’’ Swan said.
“We definitely need some kind of sport back, but you don’t want it to be too early and then postponed again. If we have to wait an extra month to make sure we can get the whole season in then it’s worth it.”