Continuing on from his 2008 successes, Dane Swan took his game to an even higher level in 2009 leading the competition in total disposals (760), total kicks (444), third in total inside 50s (122) and sixth in total goal assists (23).
The 2009 Copeland Trophy winner joined an elite group of Collingwood players who have won back-to-back best-and-fairest awards, accomplished by only 12 men before him including club champions Bob Rose, Murray Weideman, Len Thompson and Nathan Buckley.
Receiving extra attention from his opponents, Swan’s ability to find the ball never let up collecting over 30-possessions at one point for eight straight weeks (round 13 to round 20).
He electrified the crowd when he hit 48-possessions in the side’s big win over Port Adelaide in round 10.
The only disappointment to a wonderful season was Swan’s return at the Brownlow polling only 12 votes.
If there is any room for improvement in Swan’s game it’s his poor delivery by foot (60.4%), a statistic he will look to improve on in 2010.
Mark Neeld: Copeland Trophy winner, All Australian, more possessions than anyone in the history of the game ... he's had a pretty good year. I'd say it'll be more of the same for him next year although people like Dane Swan are always looking to take their game to the next level. I've got no doubt Dane will be looking at that. What that level looks like, I’m not sure.
2009 highlights
Round 13 v Fremantle: Posting a career-high number in kicks with 24, Swan enjoyed a complete game with 41 disposals, 11 marks, eight inside 50s and one goal.
Round 17 v Carlton: Collecting 38 possessions, seven marks and one goal was enough to secure three Brownlow votes for Swan.
2009 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | C |
| 25 | 17.8/60.4% | 13.0/84.0% | 30.8/70.4% | 6.4 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 3.1 | 4.0 |
