By Colin MacGillivray

Collingwood legend Dane Swan’s appearance for the Ararat Eagles at the weekend drew rave reviews, with spectators flocking to watch their game against Great Western.

The Eagles announced earlier this year that Swan, the 2011 AFL Brownlow medalist, would make a one-off appearance in round two, and anticipation was high for the clash between the traditional rivals.

Club secretary Nats McRoberts said Swan arrived more than two hours before the game, introducing himself to the players and greeting an estimated crowd of more than 1000 spectators, signing autographs and taking photographs.

McRoberts said Swan was ‘approachable and easygoing’ throughout the day.

“Prior to the game Dane lined up with the boys as both the Ararat Eagles and Great Western paid their respects during the now annual Anzac proceedings,” he said.

“Dane played four quarters of footy, sporting number 36. He mainly played on the half-forward line, however he did go down back.

“He played well, showing glimpses of his former self. He managed to snag a goal on the run after about four or five bounces.

“Dane was received well by both playing groups. He appeared to elevate our boys, occasionally having input in the quarter-time huddles.

“However, he appeared more so to take on board our game plan, encourage the boys and not make the game about himself – he was very unselfish.”

Swan helped the Eagles to a strong win, topping the Lions 22.17 (149) to 12.14 (86), with Mason Kelly, Kade Bohner and Sam Summers also among a host of strong performers.

Kelly kicked six goals and Summers had four, while co-captains Tom Taurau and Naish McRoberts had three apiece.

The Eagles joined Penshurst, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac and Lismore-Derrinallum in the top four after all three recorded wins against Moyston-Willaura, SMW Rovers and Glenthompson-Dunkeld, respectively.

Penshurst maintained a huge percentage of more than 800 after dismantling the Pumas 28.16 (184) to 3.9 (27) and the Magpies beat Rovers by 143 points, but only one kick separated the Demons and Rams, with Lismore-Derrinallum prevailing 12.8 (80) to 12.7 (79) thanks to a five-goal haul from Lachie Constable.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur and Woorndoo-Mortlanke also played a thriller, with the Eagles emerging victorious 15.10 (100) to 14.13 (97).

Tatyoon rebounded well from a disappointing round one to beat Caramut 23.9 (147) to 11.5 (71) at Caramut.

Former Newlyn coach Marcus Darmody showed why the Hawks were so keen to recruit him with a 15-goal haul, earning best-on-ground honours.

Tatyoon will face its biggest test of the young season in round three when it hosts Penshurst on Saturday.

Other matches will see Ararat Eagles travel to Derrinallum to take on the Demons, Great Western in search of its first win at home to Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, Moyston-Willaura away to Glenthompson-Dunkeld, Hawkesdale-Macarthur at home to Caramut, and Woorndoo-Mortlake travelling to play SMW Rovers.

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