Collingwood great Dane Swan signs at St Kilda City
The Brownlow Medal champion linked with the Southern league club when it appeared there would be a shortened season in 2020. Now he’s put pen to paper for City in 2021.
Southern
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Brownlow Medal champion Dane Swan will be calling the Peanut Farm home next year.
Southern league Division 1 club St Kilda City confirmed tonight that it had signed the former Collingwood star for 2021.
Swan had lodged a clearance to play for City when it looked like there would be a shortened season this year.
He is close with City’s high-profile recruit for 2o20, former Richmond and Port Melbourne forward Dan Connors.
St Kilda City president Rod Gamlin said the club was excited at the prospect of Swan wearing the jumper.
“He came down when it looked like we were going to play, and he trained about six times before COVID cut us down and felt really comfortable and moved well,’’ Gamlin said.
“He’s great mates with Daniel Connors, and Daniel has been a big driving force behind it, them having a kick together.
“We’re going to support his business interests – we’ll organise a couple of functions for him to speak at – and involve him in whatever way he wants and he’s comfortable with.
“He’s a pretty low-key guy, really humble. He just wants to get involved and play with some mates and try to have some success.’’
Gamlin added: “He’s been really well-received by the guys. And that’s fair enough because it’s not every day you get to play footy with a Brownlow Medallist.’’
He said Swan would co-host the club’s 75-year celebration ball next year.
Swan played 258 AFL matches for Collingwood, stacking up honours including the 2010 premiership, the 2011 Brownlow Medal and three Copeland Trophies as the club best and fairests.
He was also selected in All Australian teams on five occasions, won two Anzac Day medals and received life membership of the Maggies.
Gamlin said St Kilda City hoped Swan, the son of VFA legend Bill Swan, would play between 12 and 15 games next year.
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