Gold Coast are on the brink of their first-ever AFL finals campaign, and while David Swallow may not take the field, his voice has already left a mark.
The 32-year-old foundation player, who has battled knee injuries all season, delivered a heartfelt pre-game speech before the Suns’ thumping 95-point win that sealed their top-eight spot.
Swallow, drafted No.1 in 2010 and the only remaining member from the club’s inaugural squad, has played 247 games without experiencing finals. With his contract set to expire at the end of 2025, the midfielder faces the bittersweet prospect of watching history from the sidelines.
MORE: Legends Game mishap puts comedian in hospital with punctured lung
"He’s the only one left"
Suns defender Mac Andrew revealed just how much the moment meant to the veteran and his teammates. “He’s the only one left,” Andrew told AAP.
“He did the pre-game talk, told us about how much he wants to be out there and we’re the lucky ones that get to experience it. Seeing the emotion and how much it meant for him … I hope Dimma (Hardwick) chucks him in. He’s been through everything at this club, but either way we’ll be performing for guys like Dave.”
Young midfielder Bailey Humphrey added his own tribute, recalling a message he sent Swallow.
“I told him I won’t take it for granted, knowing he hasn’t done it yet. I look up to him, the way he goes about it and even off the field, and he’d be one of my favourite teammates, and it’d be special for him to play,” he said.
Swallow’s story resonates beyond his own career. Should he not be selected, he will retire as the AFL/VFL record holder for most games without a finals appearance, surpassing St Kilda legend Trevor Barker. But for now, his presence continues to inspire a Suns squad determined to write a new chapter in club history.