Dane Swan, the 2010 Premiership player and one of the most influential midfielders in recent AFL history, has been inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame for 2024.
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 23, 2016: Retiring Dane Swan of the Magpies arrives during a Collingwood Magpies AFL media session at the Holden Centre on August 23, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Swan’s journey to AFL stardom began when he was drafted from the Calder Cannons at pick 58 in the 2001 National Draft. Over a remarkable 15-year career, Swan played 258 games for Collingwood, defying expectations and carving out a legacy as one of the game’s greats.
Known for his unique style and exceptional skills, Swan’s accolades are numerous. He won the prestigious Brownlow Medal in 2011, claimed the Copeland Trophy three times (2008, 2009, 2010), and earned five All-Australian selections (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013).
Between 2009 and 2012, Swan was arguably the top midfielder in the league, consistently averaging over 30 possessions per game. His physical strength and speed around the contest, combined with his football intelligence, made him a standout player. Additionally, he proved to be a threat around goals, amassing a career total of 211 goals.
Swan’s career came to an untimely end in 2016 due to a severe foot injury. Despite this, his impact on the field and his legacy at Collingwood have endured.
Beyond his impressive statistics and numerous awards, Swan is remembered for his relaxed approach to both football and life, embodying an era where players could enjoy life off the field while excelling on it. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his remarkable career and lasting influence on the game.
Congratulations to Dane Swan on this well-deserved recognition.
Dane Swan’s Career Summary
- AFL career: 2003-2016
- Games: 258
- Goals: 211
- First game: Rd 13 2003
- Last game: Rd 1 2016
- Average possessions: 26.9 (second highest of all retired players)
- Most possessions in a game: 49 (v Hawthorn 2012), 48 (v Port Adelaide 2009)
- Brownlow votes: 186 (14th highest of all time)
Swannie’s AFL Awards
- Brownlow Medal 2011
- Copeland Trophy 2008, 2009, 2010
- R T Rush Trophy (runner-up) 2011, 20123, 2015
- J J Joyce Trophy (third) 2012
- Best Finals Player 2008, 2010, 2013
- Anzac Day Medal 2012, 2014
- All-Australian 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
- Leigh Matthews Trophy (AFLPA) 2010
- AFLCA Champion Player 2010
