CTV> Watch Dane Swan talk to CTV about his upcoming milestoneWhen the Magpies run out onto the ground on Saturday night to face St Kilda, Dane Swan will break through his 100th AFL banner.
The 24-year-old midfielder is now in his sixth season at Collingwood and has progressed in the last three years to be considered an elite footballer by his colleagues and peers.
Swan made his debut in 2003 and managed a handful of games. It wasn’t until his third season did the midfielder realise he was cut out for the AFL.
“Three seasons ago. When I played round one (against Adelaide) and Mick threw me into the midfield, I happened to get a few more kicks which gave me a bit of confidence and it’s only grown from there,” Swan told Collingwoodfc.com.au on Friday.
“It’s good that Mick has put some faith in me by throwing me in the midfield and now I just try to repay the faith.”
Coach Michael Malthouse speaks very favourably of Swan.
"He is one of my favourite players. I really enjoy Swanny's company. I think he is a terrific young bloke. He is certainly one of the hardest workers on the field," Malthouse said.
"I am delighted to be a part of his one-hundred games. It is equally important that it has come in a finals match because he has performed exceptionally well in September."
Swan has tried to work on his consistency over the course of the season. He currently ranks second in the league in total kicks, 12th in total possessions, 16th in total contested possessions and 18th in total marks.
“This season has probably been a bit more consistent than last year. Last year I had a few really good games and then a few ordinary games and this year I tried to get my game a bit more consistent.
Football runs deep through the blood of the Swan family. Billy Swan (Dane’s father) was a champion midfielder at the Port Melbourne VFL club. He notched-up 219 games and won two best and fairest and four premierships.
“He has been a massive influence on my career. I suppose you can’t forget mum too. Mum and dad were and still are my two biggest supporters of my career.
Last year Swan polled 20 Brownolow votes leaving him in a tie for third at the end of the night. In 2006, his first full season, Swan attracted 11 votes.
“It’s something none of the players can control. It is a midfielder’s trophy and I play in the midfield so that helps. And no one has control over who they vote for but obviously they have voted for me reasonably well over the last couple of years.
"I don’t plan to go out and get Brownlow votes, I just try to do my job and get a win."
Swan's goals for 2009 have not been set yet as the 99-gamer has his sole focus on the finals football.
"We want to make sure we go as far as we can this year and haven't really thought about '09."
