Chapman Valley secures services of Brownlow medallist and Collingwood champion Dane Swan in his only WA game

Fans of Chapman Valley, Collingwood or just football in general should circle May 6 in their calendar as AFL Brownlow medallist Dane Swan is set to don the blue-and-black for the Royals’ round two clash against Mullewa. In what will serve as the club’s biggest fundraiser for the year, Swan will be playing a special one-off match in what will be the only game he plays in the State this year. Swan previously visited the Mid West last year on a speaking tour, but this time he will be on the field showcasing some of the skills that earned him a premiership, Brownlow medal and five All-Australian honours. Post-game, a dinner and Q&A speaking event with Swan will be hosted by Eagles legend Glen Jakovich. Organiser and Chapman Valley coach Aaron Thomas said he expected a sell-out crowd for the event. “I’d like to think we’d get well over 700 supporters out at Mazzuchelli Oval. He is one of the great characters of the AFL and there are plenty of Collingwood supporters around the place,” he said. “He’ll be doing a couple of events around the place and training out at Morawa, but we’re the only club in WA that he’ll actually play for so it will be a special event not just for us, but for the State.” Thomas said it would be huge for his players to have a Brownlow medallist running around with the group. “Money can’t buy experience and to have him come on board will be great for the guys to learn from,” he said. “He said he doesn’t want to get thrown straight into the midfield but I’m sure we’ll find a place for him in the line-up.” It’s not the first time Chapman Valley has welcomed a Brownlow medallist to its line-up, with former Eagle champion Matt Priddis lining up for the side in their Big Freeze clash last year along with premiership Eagle Lewis Jetta. “It’s huge to get guys like that, being pretty isolated in the Mid West it can be hard to get guys of this magnitude up here and generate this sort of buzz,” he said. The round two clash will also serve as the club’s family day with a bouncy castle, ice cream and other child-friendly activities taking place throughout the day. Pre-sale tickets are now available for purchase for $65 which includes dinner and two drinks, anyone wanting more information should contact Thomas 0407 175 577.