Who is Dane Swan? Collingwood 2012 premiership start inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame

Congratulations are in order, as 2010 Premiership player Dane Swan was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Tuesday night. Collingwood have congratulated Swan.

Taken at pick 58 in the 2001 AFL Draft from the Calder Canons, Swan played a 258 games for the Magpies across a 15-year career. The 40-year-old won a plethora of awards, including the 2011 Brownlow Medal, three Copeland Trophies (2008, 2009, 2010) and five All-Australian blazers (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013).

‘Swanny,’ as he's fondly called, is admired not only for his running ability and footy smarts, but for his incredible strength, proving an irresistible force in the Collingwood Magpies’ midfield.

From 2009 to 2012, Dane Swan was arguably the best midfielder in the league, averaging more than 30 possessions per match. He was also a sleek goalkicker, finishing his career with 211 goals.

Swan’s career came to an end 13 seasons later, in 2016, due to a serious foot injury. Apart from statistics and game proficiency, the Magpies would always admire how well Swan juggled a career in football and a life outside of it.

Dane Swan’s honours at Collingwood include:

Games: 258, Goals: 211

First game: Round 13, 2003, Last game: Round 1, 2016

Average possessions: 26.9 (club record; second highest of all retired players)

Brownlow votes: 186 (14th highest of all time)

Brownlow Medal (2011)

Copeland Trophy (2008, 2009, 2010)

Best Finals Player (2008, 2010, 2013)

Anzac Day Medal (2012, 2014)

All-Australian (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)

AFLCA Champion Player (2010)

Leigh Matthews Trophy (AFLPA) (2010)

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Dane Swan and five others get inducted in AFL Hall of Fame

2024 Australian Football Hall of Fame

On Tuesday night, the Australian Football Hall of Fame saw the induction of six players, each celebrated for their impact on their clubs and the game of footy at large.

Collingwood Magpies’ 2010 premiership midfielder Dane Swan was honoured for his illustrious career.

Known for his exceptional ball-handling skills and game intelligence, Dane Swan played 258 games for Collingwood and won the 2011 Brownlow Medal. His influence on the field was pivotal to the team, especially through the 2010 premiership.

Kelvin Templeton, Footscray’s champion goalkicker and Brownlow Medal winner in 1980, twice led the club goal-kicking, in 1978 and 1979. Templeton’s career highlights also include two club Best and Fairest awards and a place in the Bulldogs' Team of the Century as a centre half-forward.

Chris McDermott, inaugural captain of the Adelaide Crows, was also inducted. Known for his leadership and resilience, McDermott played over 400 games across his career. He won three Best and Fairest awards and was named an All-Australian three times.

Ralph Robertson, a standout player in early 20th-century football, was honored for his significant contributions to the sport in New South Wales. He played for St Kilda, then the Sydney Swans, showcasing his versatility and talent over 55 games.

Ray Schofield, a five-time Best and Fairest winner at West Perth, was also inducted. He was known for his adaptability on the field, playing in two premiership teams in 1949 and 1951. He later won West Perth’s leading goalkicker award in 1957.

Michael Graham was also recognized for his extensive career, spanning over 500 games. Playing for the VFL, St Mary's (NTFL), and Sturt (SANFL), Graham was known for his speed and goal sense. He holds a place in the Indigenous Team of the Century and the NT Team of the Century.