The Swans are sticking true to youth, handing out an early birthday present to Jordan Dawson on the eve of this 20th birthday, named as the 5th debutant of 2017.
Dawson was selected with pick 56 in the 2015 national draft, will celebrate his birthday just days after playing his first AFL game on Friday night.
“I haven’t really thought about (the match) too much as I am just trying to stay switched off until Friday and then I will be ready to go,” Dawson told SwansTV. “It has been a bit of a surreal day or so and I am obviously pretty nervous but also excited to get out there with the boys.”
A calf injury interrupted his pre-season, but strong performances in the NEAFL has earned himself a call up. Having played most of his football in the midfield, the 189cm utility is set to play forward on Friday night.
“I am definitely feeling comfortable because my form in the NEAFL has been pretty good so I was just trying to string a few games together,” Dawson said. “My injury throughout the pre-season was holding me back a bit but it was good to get some consistency in the NEAFL and be rewarded. “Hopefully playing as that third or fourth tall I can kick a few goals.”
In typical Swans style, he was called into the Match Committee room, only to be confronted by Longmire and supported by three of his key mentors. Horse kept it short and sharp:
“There was John (Longmire), Shawry (Rhyce Shaw) and Blakes (John Blakey) and Horse asked me if I was ready to go Friday and I said of course,” he explained. “It was a bit of a shock but I am obviously now really keen to get out there.”
It doesn't get any easier that that. Here at The Swans Blog, we thought it might be Cameron, but we must say that we're surprised, and delighted by this. He'll follow in the footsteps of Florent, Newman, Fox and Hayward, and here's hoping that he'll have an impressive debut.
Nothing like a big game to play first up.
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