Game’s greats kick around pearls of AFL wisdom

They played 534 games in the AFL between them and last Thursday night, the people of Karratha got to hear what it was like to be a professional footballer from two of the game’s all-time greats.

Two-time All-Australian Glen Jackovich and Collingwood premiership player and 2011 Brownlow medallist Dane Swan, below, were in town as part of a tour around the Pilbara and delighted footy fans with tales of their esteemed careers.

While Jakovich visits the Pilbara every year, it was Swan’s first foray into the region and it more than lived up to his expectations.

“It’s red — I know I’m in Australia,” he joked.

“Obviously the weather is a million times better than what’s back in Melbourne, the people have been great and the beers have been been cold, so no complaints.”

The Pilbara is a stronghold for West Coast Eagles supporters, so Swan was stoked to see so many people in Collingwood guernseys for his talk at the Karratha and Districts RSL. “It’s been great to come out and meet football fans, but especially Pies fans, who don’t usually get the chance to meet players from the east,” he said.

He may be recognised as one of the greatest midfielders in the modern era, but Swan does not take himself too seriously and just wanted the people in attendance to have a good time.

“If people are silly enough to hear me talk, I’m silly enough to do it,” he said.

“They’re not going to go any smarter from listening to me, but hopefully they have a couple of laughs and hear some inside knowledge of a footy club and my journey.”

When asked where he keeps his Brownlow Medal, the five-time All-Australian had the most ocker answer possible — he doesn’t know.

“My mate took it after a big night at my house about two years ago and it hasn’t come back,” he said.

Ticket sales and auction item funds from the event will be used for new carpets and furniture in the RSL.