If Brownlow votes were awarded for contributions made both on and off the field at our recent AFL Asia 2019 Asian Championships, the all too familiar “D. Swan 3 Votes!” would’ve been bellowed from the clouds!
Former AFL superstar, 2011 Brownlow Medalist and Collingwood FC legend Dane Swan was our unofficial ‘2019 Asian Champs Ambassador’ and didn’t disappoint those who got the opportunity to rub shoulders with him.
‘Swanny’ started the weekend as a ‘Motivational Speaker’ for a corporate company in Bangkok. The unlikely mix of Swanny, motivational speaker and corporate company is a rare commodity, but as Swanny suggested; “I just went in there and winged it!”
This was one of the many hilarious stories told by Swanny at a Sportsman’s Night, held at The Clubhouse Sports Bar & Grill in Bangkok on the Thursday night. It was an open slather affair with all stories on the table to be told by the Collingwood great.
Swanny’s visit was organised by 1993 AFL Premiership Player & Indonesian Volcanoes Coach Rick Olarenshaw after receiving a request from the host club the Thailand Tigers.
Truth must be told Swanny’s laid back nature and approachability was the highlight of his involvement, particularly on Saturday at the Asian Champs, whereby he more than happily had a photo with anyone of the 500+ players and spectators, who attended AFL Asia’s showcase event.
The fact that Swanny played for both the Indonesian Volcanoes and the Philippine Eagles in their Division 1 dead rubber game and for the Indonesian Volcanoes and the China Reds in the Division 2 5th vs. 6th game speaks volumes of the man himself and his accessibility.
It’s not very often an AFL legend is willing to put the boots on and play for 2 different teams in the same match and let alone twice in the same tournament!
The great man also showed he’s lost none of his natural ability as he banged a massive 60m bomb straight through the middle for the Philippine Eagles despite the howling wind on the day!
Swanny, you’ll always be welcome within Asian footy circles and we’d love to see you back at the AFL Asia 2020 Asian Championships wherever that may be!!!
