Big in: Brownlow Medalist Dane Swan will play for Mathoura in round two of the Picola and District Football League season. Photo: AAP Image/Julian Smith
Picola and District Football League club Mathoura is bringing the star power to its Easter weekend blockbuster with Picola United, with former Collingwood star Dane Swan set to suit up for the Timbercutters.
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The 2011 Brownlow Medallist will pull on the boots on Saturday, April 8, for a one-off appearance against the Blues, the club announced on Saturday.
Timbercutters’ co-coach Nick Ferrari said securing Swan for the clash would be beneficial on and off the field as the club continued to rebuild after a turbulent two seasons.
“I’ve known him for a while through another mate of mine, Ricky Nixon,” Ferrari said.
“We had him and Anthony Koutoufides up (at Mathoura) last year for a function after the last game of the season.
“I wanted to put in for an Easter game to get the club back on the map a bit more, especially after the last few years.
“We got the game, spoke to Swanny and he agreed.
“Hopefully we get a big crowd. It would be nice to get the win as well.”
On board: Former Collingwood star Dane Swan will take the field for Mathoura in the Timbercutters’ round two clash against Picola. Photo: Mathoura FNC
Swan, a 2010 premiership player with the Magpies, will bring 258 games of AFL experience with him when he graces the expanses of Mathoura Recreation Reserve.
His presence is poised to draw a big crowd for the Easter fixture and as one of football’s finest midfielders during his 14-year career, he will be a valuable addition to the Timbercutters’ engine room.
Supporters will be hoping Swan can inspire a win early in the season for Mathoura, which is aiming to improve on its one-win 2022 campaign.
After a disrupted start to pre-season due to the floods, the Timbercutters are starting to gain momentum as round one looms.
“We’ve had a lot more numbers,” Ferrari said.
“Before Christmas, (training) was a bit hard after all the floods. Blokes were working flat out and working down in Rochy.
“It was a bit hard, but we’re getting there. We’ll slowly rebuild and things like this will help build the club a bit more.”
The Timbercutters' 2023 season kicks off against Katamatite in round one at Mathoura Recreation Reserve on Saturday, April 1, before they tackle Picola United in round two on Saturday, April 8, in Swan’s PDFL debut.
