Former AFL stars to shape up in the biggest AFL footy fight night in Australian history

A host of big-name footy stars, including two Brownlow medallists, climb into the ring for the ‘biggest AFL footy fight night in Australian history’.

Cooney v Swanny: The Brownlow medallists will do battle in the boxing ring. Picture: Alex Coppel

We’ve had the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ and the ‘Thrilla in Manilla’, but now get ready for the Battle of the Brownlows.

Former AFL stars Dane Swan and Adam Cooney will swap the footy boots for boxing gloves and play a starring role in what’s been billed as the ‘biggest AFL footy fight night in Australian history.’

Margaret Court Arena on August 3 will play host to ‘All Stars Boxing – Footy Fight Night’, a prime-time, pay-per-view extravaganza on Foxtel featuring a multitude of AFL greats in the ring.

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The Herald Sun can reveal that Brownlow Medallists Swan and Cooney will do battle in what will be the boxing debut for both.

There will be a host of other big-name fights to be revealed in the coming days.

Cooney admitted he owed Swan one for the 2010 preliminary final, in which the then gun Magpies’ onballer spearheaded a win over his Bulldogs side on the way to the premiership.

Cooney v Swanny: The Brownlow medallists will do battle in the boxing ring. Picture: Alex Coppel

“I still hold the grudge against Swanny for a game in 2010 when he torched us then they went on to the grand final,” Cooney said.

“I think Swanny’s pretty tough, and he’s in pretty good nick too, so I’ve got a fair bit of work to do.”

Remarkably, Swan – the former leader of the Collingwood ‘Rat Pack – said he was probably in better shape now than his playing days.

“I’m probably a bit leaner now than I was when I was playing, but that’s because I probably look after myself more,” Swan said.

“I’m not a professional athlete anymore and not forced to do things.

“When I was a professional athlete, I was always in the back of my mind thinking I can eat and drink what I want knowing I’ll be forced to train, where now I’m not forced to train so it’s off my own bat so I try to eat a little bit less.

“The weekends don’t help, but I’m in OK shape for a 38-year-old.”

Dane Swan and Adam Cooney face off on the footy field.

Swan, who will train with Magpies’ boxing coach, Mick Dugina admitted to “very minimal experience” in the ring.

“I used to fight with my sister when I was a kid, and that’s about it,” Swan said.

“The stock standard AFL punching pads, and we used to do a bit of sparring at the footy club that certainly is a bit different to what we’ll be doing here.

“I certainly enjoy boxing, it’s very, very hard. Harder than what I’m used to.

“Hopefully I’m better in eight weeks than I am right now. Fingers crossed.”

Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday via Ticketek, while the full card will also be shown on Kayo and Main Event as a pay-per-view offering.