Sport
6 May, 2024
Natte Bealiba, and Dane Swan, take big win over Navarre
It was a day to remember for Natte Bealiba and Dane Swan, with a massive gate coming through to CHS Broadbent Oval and the Swans earning another win to keep themselves well and truly in the frame as an early pace setter. The Swans put Navarre to the...
It was a day to remember for Natte Bealiba and Dane Swan, with a massive gate coming through to CHS Broadbent Oval and the Swans earning another win to keep themselves well and truly in the frame as an early pace setter.
The Swans put Navarre to the sword right from the outset on Saturday, winning every quarter as they defeated the Hoppers by 92 points, maintaining the Ross/Hannett Shield in the process.
Swan, for his part, brought joy to many around the Swans, parking himself at half back and providing many launches for scoring chains when the ball was in Navarre’s forward half, before moving forward in the last quarter, where he had a number of opportunities, but couldn’t quite convert.
The Swans were able to start strongly, kicking six goals in the opening term to no score for Navarre to open up a 41-point lead at the first break.
The second quarter was much the same for the Swans, as they continued to dictate terms, particularly throughout the midfield, with Swans ruckman Austin McKenzie providing plenty of drive to his midfielders, with Will Holt doing the rest up forward as the dominant big man of the day. Navarre were at least able to get on the scoreboard as they kicked a solitary goal through Wil Clough, but it was the Swans that led by 55 points at the main break.
The Swans’ dominance to the paddock end of the ground continued in the third term as they rendered the Hoppers scoreless when they were kicking to the clubrooms end for the entire day, and the Swans continued to maintain control, adding five goals. While they were a little inaccurate, the margin still sat at 91 points at the final change.
While the Swans might have taken their eyes slightly off the ball as they looked to feed Swan the chance for goals, Navarre also responded by playing some good footy of their own, and were rewarded with two goals in the last quarter through playing-coach Jack Jess.
It was Natte’s day, however, and they also added a further two goals to ensure the margin would stay at 92 points.
McKenzie was terrific in what was a good battle with the likes of Navarre big men Baxter Cheesman and Nick Birthisel, and was best man on the ground, while Trent and Jye Mortlock provided plenty of drive. Holt, with his four goals, also delivered, while Emmet Smith and Brayden Mills were also named in the best.
Navarre were well served by Jayden Fowkes, Birthisel, 200-gamer Daniel Reading, Luke and Kyle Hendy and Tom Hannett.
Swan said he was privileged to be able to run around for Natte Bealiba.
“It felt good. I couldn’t have picked a better day to play footy, and I felt lucky to be able to. They’re a good bunch of boys. I know there is a big rivalry and they play for a shield, so I tried to do what I can to help them win. But I have really enjoyed my time, and that’s the main thing,” he said.
Swan had the opportunity to pick his position through playing-coach Trent, and eventually picked half back so he could read the play as well as he could.
“I play at half back in these games, as I don’t know what the level is like, the skill level or how the ball moves,” he said.
“To be honest, it’s easier getting it off the opposition than my own teammates early on, so it helps me pick up the flow of the play.
“But I enjoy going off half back, it’s not about me kicking 10 goals and having 40 possessions any more, it’s about getting the team a win, having a good run and bringing a good crowd in.
“I talked to the boys about the things I see, I tried not to be too over-analytic, just giving some basic pointers about moving on later in the year and sticking with a couple of things — it might hold them in good stead.”
Having lived in Melbourne all his life, Swan says the relaxed country lifestyle plays more into his nature as a laidback character, which helps him enjoy his football more often as he gets to see more of Australia through it.
“I live in the city, and live in Prahran, but I’m more suited to the country people, who are a lot more laidback, relaxed and don’t take themselves too seriously,” he said.
“Obviously you want to win and work your backside off, but do it with a smile. There was a bit of intensity in the game with a couple of push and shoves, but it’s a bit more relaxed and not judgmental.
“The more I get out of Melbourne, the more I enjoy coming to places like this, and like every country club, it’s a great community.
“To draw so many people for a town two hours out is incredible, so it’s quite a privilege to come out, draw a crowd and have people wanting to watch the game. I know they had a reunion too, so it just adds to the day.
“I get enjoyment out of it. I love playing footy, and if people are stupid enough to have me, I’m stupid enough to do it.
“I like getting around, and I’m in a fortunate position to do things like this. I’d never heard of Natte Bealiba until I pencilled it in and Googled it to see where I’m going for the next game.
“I’ve seen more of Australia in the last three years doing these kinds of things than my first 37 years, because when you travel after footy, you normally go overseas. I’ve met some wonderful people.”
With a large number of the Natte faithful getting autographs and photos with Swan, the Collingwood champion says it’s what footy is all about.
“It’s great to come out and meet people you would never meet in your day-to-day life,” he said.
“I get a lot of enjoyment out of seeing kids’ faces and the Collingwood supporters and football fans who want to come out and take a photo.
“One day, they’ll forget, but while I have the power and pull to do it, I’m happy to do it.”
With the likes of Alex Rance, Bernie Vince and Barry Hall playing games in the league recently, Swan says any ex-AFL player should consider going around to country towns to give back after their professional days are numbered.
“I think a lot of boys go out and have enough, or their bodies had enough. I took five years off and did it a bit later,” he said.
“But I would certainly recommend it to any ex-AFL player who is fortunate enough to do something like this.
“If I wasn’t playing footy, I’d be sitting on the couch with the kids, so it’s nice to come out, play a bit of footy, and I’d be doing it in Melbourne somewhere if I wasn’t doing it somewhere like this.”
