MPFNL: Dane Swan’s stunning display as Pines gathers momentum in Division 1

Dane Swan sparked gasps in the crowd during his first outing for Pines in the Mornington Peninsula league.

Dane Swan gives the thumbs up after his first quarter as a Pines player. Picture: Saimon McEvoy

It was vintage Dane Swan in his first outing for Pines in the Mornington Peninsula league on Saturday.

The former Collingwood champion — joining his 24th club in three years — was among the best players in the Pythons’ 64-point win over Frankston Bombers at Eric Bell Reserve in Frankston North.

He controlled proceedings across half back for three quarters before going forward late in the match and kicking three goals in quick succession to help seal the 14.15 (99) to 5.5 (35) victory.

One of his majors was right out of the top drawer.

“One was an absolute vintage goal,” Pines coach Paddy Swayn said.

“He beat off about three of them and, super fast, a left-foot snap.

“He also kicked one from a set shot and another on the run. Yeah, he was good.”

Dane Swan in Pines colours.

Dane Swan wearing No. 55.

A big crowd rolled up to see Swan pull on the red and green of Pines.

He joined them during the week and he will play out the remainder of the season as they chase finals success.

The Pythons have won three matches in a row to climb to fourth spot on the Division 1 ladder with a 7-4 record.

Luke Potts also bolstered the Pines side on Saturday after returning from St Kilda City.

On a windy afternoon, Swan started strongly playing loose in defence, collecting three handballs and a kick in the opening five minutes.

His poise helped restrict Frankston Bombers to only two behinds in the first term, despite kicking with a strong breeze. Pines, into it, drilled four goals to set up victory.

Jacob Boyle.

Shane Savage.

Swayn said the Pythons’ pressure was intense.

“There’s always a danger when you get a couple of good ins, people just think it’s going to happen,’’ he said.

“But right from the start we just went bang. It was good. I was really happy.”

Sandringham VFL midfielder Jono Haidon was named best-on-ground for Pines after a strong display returning from a hamstring injury.

Beau Hendry played his first senior game for the season and kicked three goals for the Pythons, who also named Russell Gabriel, Jarrod Richards, Nick Braund, Potts and Guy Hendry in the best.

Before the game, staunch Pines supporter and mad Collingwood fan Jason Busuttil presented Swan with his jumper.

With talk that Aaron Edwards could also return to Pines this week, the Pythons appear to be assembling a side capable of challenging for the title.

“We’re starting to build a good list,” Swayn said.

Frankston Bombers coach John Bown said Pines jumped his side early and it never recovered.

“It was just a tough day at the office,’’ he said.

“The boys certainly didn’t play to the standard they wanted, they were disappointed, they were pretty embarrassed with what they put out there and I have no doubt that will hold them in good stead as we go to work again this week.’’

Pines host Sorrento next weekend, while Bombers meet reigning premiers Frankston YCW.