Dane Swan retires, follow his career through the years in our picture special

GALLERY: How has retiring Collingwood star Dane Swan changed through the years? Relive some of his career highlights in our picture special.

Dane Swan celebrates his goal.

FROM the moment Dane Swan arrived at Collingwood, he has always been a favourite among the Magpie army.

While he wanted to play on, the superstar midfielder knew he couldn’t after the horrific broken leg and foot he suffered in Round 1 this year.

Swan has provided hundreds of highlights over the years. Here is a look at his career in pictures.

The first Dane Swan headshot after being drafted to Collingwood.

Dane Swan playing VFL for Williamstown during his debut year.

Dane Swan in the middle of the Collingwood circle after playing in his first senior win. Picture: Getty Images

Dane Swan celebrates kicking a goal against Carlton.

It didn’t take him long to embrace hating the old enemy.

Simon Prestigiacomo, Heath Shaw, Matthew Lokan and Dane Swan take part in an interesting photo shoot in 2004.

One of the most important kicks of his career, Swan puts Collingwood in front during extra time of the club’s semi-final against West Coast in 2006.

Never one to shy away from the big stage, Swan’s habit of playing well on Anzac Day was in full steam by 2008.

Ready for the big stage, Dane Swan at the Grand Final parade with best friend Ben Johnson.

A disappointed Dane Swan after the 2010 drawn Grand Final.

He didn’t have to wait long to get his shot at redemption.

Dane Swan celebrates the Collingwood premiership with great mate Alan Didak. Picture: Getty Images.

Respected by the greats, Dane Swan congratulated by Chris Judd and Nathan Buckley after winning the Brownlow Medal in 2011.

The highs and lows of Grand Final day as Collingwood go down to Geelong in 2011.

Dane Swan rubs his belly after kicking a goal.

A message to everyone who had questioned his training standards and weight.

Two of the great Pies. Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury leave the ground together after an Anzac Day win against Essendon. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Always great mates, Dane Swan and Heath Swan play against each other for the first time. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Lachlan Keeffe gets showered with drink by Dane Swan after winning his debut game.

Two of the AFL’s all-time great characters, Dane Swan and Jake King share a handshake after playing against each other. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Dane Swan breaks three bones in his foot minutes into Collingwood’s Round 1 clash against Sydney. Picture. Phil Hillyard

Dane Swan says farewell to the Collingwood Football Club. Picture: Getty Images.