Dane Swan is returning to Westmeadows Football Club.
The Tigers this week announced that the 2011 Brownlow medallist would pull on the boots next season, while North Melbourne premiership player Corey McKernan has been appointed a high performance coach.
Swan and McKernan both played their junior football at Westmeadows before successful AFL careers.
Swan confirmed on radio on Tuesday morning that he would be returning to the Tigers.
Swan played 258 games with Collingwood, including the 2010 premiership, before an ankle injury forced him to retire at the end of last year.
“It doesn’t mean I’ll play every week, as I’ll be travelling,” Swan told Triple M.
“I’ll give something back to them … it’ll be a bit of fun.
“My cousin is going back there, my uncle is on the board and my other cousin plays there.
“I might play one [game] or I might play 10 games, but hopefully it gives them a boost.”
Tigers president Gareth Hanlon said if everything went to plan, Swan would make his debut in round two against Tullamarine, before playing on Anzac Day four days later.
“It’s been a very exciting few days,” Hanlon said. “It is very special to have someone come back to the club who started their career at the club.
“We’ve been lucky to have a number of players play at the highest level including Corey McKernan, Welshy [Andrew Welsh] and Swanny, and to get one back playing is massive for the club.
“The impact he will have not only on the senior list but with our under-19s is massive. He brings a lot of experience to the club.”
Hanlon said they were still unsure how many games Swan would play next season, but they hoped he would play enough to qualify for finals.
Swan’s cousin Aaron Ramsay has also signed with the club. Ramsay most recently played with Essendon District Football League club Essendon Doutta Stars in 2015. He was joint winner of the league’s Reynolds Medal in 2006 for the best premier division player.
McKernan has been appointed as a high performance coach, having been around the club in unofficial roles the past few years.
He’ll also assist with the club’s sponsorship and marketing.
“He’s had a successful football career and been successful in business,” Hanlon said.
“He has been involved at the club during my time here and has helped run sporting days and our grand final eve event.”
Hanlon said getting back two former players was part of the club’s focus on being a community club.
In another big boost for the side, Westmeadows has also signed ruckman Jesse Bowe. Hanlon said there would likely be a few more recruits to be announced later in the pre-season.
Two of the club’s stars, Robbie Mullen and Mitch Church, won’t be returning.
Mullen is playing in the country next season, while Church has signed with Hillside.
