Ex-AFL great Dane Swan to help launch Kinglake’s NFNL Division 3 season

Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan will make his first foray into the Northern Football Netball League, helping a Division 3 club kick off its season with a guest appearance.

Add the Northern Football Netball League to Dane Swan’s list of local footy leagues.

The Collingwood great will suit up for NFNL Division 3 club Kinglake in Round 1 next month in a guest appearance.

The Lakers will kick off the season at Memorial Oval against Fitzroy Stars on April 6.

Swan is expected to do a sportsman’s lunch before the game.

The Brownlow Medallist’s presence, along with the debut of legendary goalkicker Shane Harvey, is expected to attract a big crowd.

Kinglake coach Dave Florance said it was a coup for the club.

“It was in the works last year, he’s got connections through the junior club,” Florance said.

“He made an appearance last year at a training session and a meet-and-greet with the kids and Dane was keen to see the favour through this year.

“We’ll try (and find a spot for him), nah wherever he wants to play we’ll put him in.

“I know a couple of his mates and they said he’s in good nick training for his celebrity boxing match, so hopefully we’ll get him in good nick and he makes a good contribution.”

The Lakers will face a new-look Fitzroy Stars who have recruited strongly over the summer.

Former AFL player Neville Jetta could be in line to play depending on VFL duties, adding another big name to the bill.

Florance said it would be a good test for the club first up.

“Round 1 tends to be a good (crowd) anyway but it will be a good way to kick it off,” he said.

“Obviously with Shane (Harvey) being there as well it should be a big turnout.

“With any luck the Stars have got Neville Jetta available too, they’ll be pretty handy I think.

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“It’s good to get them up there because they’re an exciting team on their day, so hopefully we can get a good crowd and the club can do well out of it.”

Swan has signed with Mornington Peninsula club Pines for 2024 but will make a series of guest appearances in the first half of the year.

He played for 10 different clubs last season, starting at Western Rams before games at Nangwarry, Gol Gol, The Basin, Chapman Valley, Gormandale, Shellharbour City, Elliston Districts, Merrigum and Pines.

Swan will also participate in the boxing event during Gather Round in Adelaide taking on Magpies premiership teammate Dale Thomas.