BY NATHAN DOLE
Swan becomes Bulldog for a day
BROWNLOW medallist Dane Swan is in Tyntynder’s line-up to tackle Swan Hill in this Saturday’s stand-alone match in the Radio 3SH-backed senior footy action in the Central Murray.
The Bulldogs and Swans meet in the stand-alone match on King’s Birthday holiday weekend at Swan Hill’s Alan Garden Reserve.
Main game on the footy field kicks off at 2.30pm and is the first of the 10th round to be played.
It’s been 13 years since Swan claimed the game’s highest individual honour with Collingwood.
The gun on-baller starred in the Magpies’ run to the 2010 premiership.
Although he called time on his AFL career in 2016 after 258 games and 211 goals, Swan continues to criss-cross the country to play.
It’s Tyntynder which has the 40-year-old in the red, white and blue this Saturday.
A brilliant career for Swan included a Leigh Matthews trophy, the AFLCA champion player of the year award in 2010, Anzac Day medallist in 2012 and ’14, five-time All-Australian selections, three-time Copeland trophy winner as Magpies’ club champion.
It’s a crucial contest for the Jack O’Rourke-coached Tyntynder against Swan Hill.
The Bulldogs start the round in sixth place, just two points behind Mallee Eagles.
Tyntynder named Swan at half-back where he will team up with Harry Simpson and Coady Gorringe.
Swan is not the only player with AFL experience to play this Saturday in Swan Hill.
The Swans’ line-up includes former Melbourne and Port Adelaide forward Jimmy Toumpas in the centre.
Despite a winless run, the Michael Herlihy-coached Swans have played well in several matches.
Last Saturday the Swans were right in the game on Lake Boga’s turf.
A tough contest ended in a 62-53 win for the Magpies.
Ruckman-forward Toby Thoolen who played at VFL level with Collingwood kicked three goals for Swan Hill as captain Luke Phelan also booted three majors.
Best for the Swans were rover Cooper Angus, Toby Thoolen, Sonny Beasy, Bodhi Kelly, Jarvis Keogh and Adam Manning.
The Swans team to play Tyntynder includes Brandon Houlihan, Thomas Isma, Ned McKeown at centre half-back and Jose Miliado.
Swan Hill also regains Wilhelm Bennett who has played three matches for the Bendigo Pioneers in this season’s Coates Talent League action.
Tytynder’s latest hit-out ended in an 81-23 win at home against Tooleybuc Manangatang.
Players to watch for the Bulldogs include ruckman Matt Gilbee, rover Marcus Wattie, Elia Ware at half-forward, Isaiah Bull on a wing, and forwards Patrick Blake, Jason Eagle and Jayden Magro.
It’s a full run of five matches across the Central Murray FNL to be played in the ninth round on June 15.
Cohuna Kangas tackle Kerang on the Kangas’ ground.
Nyah Nyah West United will be home to take on Lake Boga.
Mallee Eagles faces Tyntynder at Lalbert.
Tooleybuc-Manangatang clashes with Koondrook Barham at Tooleybuc Recreation Reserve.
Swan Hill clashes with Balranald at Swan Hill Recreation Reserve.
Woorinen has the bye.
Central Murray FNL senior footy ladder:
Nyah Nyah West United 142 per cent, 24 points; Woorinen 135, 24; Kerang 152, 22; Balranald 132, 20; Mallee Eagles 106, 18; Tyntynder 104, 16; Tooleybuc Manangatang 99, 16; Cohuna Kangas 97, 8; Lake Boga 61, 8; Swan Hill 63, 0; Koondrook Barham 49, 0.
Leaders in the goalkicking race:
32 Brandyn Grenfell, Nyah Nyah West United.
26 Darcy Hourigan, Mallee Eagles.
21 Drew Lloyd, Balranald.
18 Colin Andrews, Balranald.
17 Lachlan Gardner, Woorinen.
16 Josh Williams, Tooleybuc Manangatang.
14 Jason Eagle, Tyntynder.
14 Jydon Neagle, Balranald.
14 Matt Neagle, Balranald.
13 Izaac Johnson, Cohuna Kangas.
12 Charlie Boulton, Nyah Nyah West United.
12 Joel Helman, Cohuna Kangas.
12 Arnold Kirby, Woorinen.
12 Andrew Mead-Harding, Mallee Eagles.
12 Connor Nutting, Tooleybuc Manangatang.
12 Nic O’Neill, Nyah Nyah West United.
11 Michael Herlihy, Swan Hill.
11 Jayden Magro, Tyntynder.
11 Clayton McCartney, Woorinen.
11 Jordan McNeil, Kerang.
10 Archer Dibsdale, Kerang.
10 Dylan Johnstone, Cohuna Kangas.
10 Lachlan Lellman, Balranald.
9 David Gourdis, Lake Boga.
9 Roy George, Tyntynder.
9 Johnathan Marsden, Tooleybuc Manangatang.
8 Will Collicoat, Woorinen.
8 Kai Kearns, Tooleybuc Manangatang.
8 Ned McKeown, Swan Hill.
8 Luke Phelan, Swan Hill.
8 Liam White, Nyah Nyah West United.
7 Kye Attwell, Koondrook Barham.
7 Brad Pay, Kerang.
7 Jayden Post, Mallee Eagles.
7 Koben Ryan, Lake Boga.
7 Josh Stone, Woorinen.
7 Marcus Wattie, Tyntynder.