Dane Swan was asked what he needed to do so he could return to his absolute best this AFL season.
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley, sitting next to him, jumped in with “more of today”.
Swan had just won his second Anzac Medal as best afield in the annual MCG blockbuster against Essendon.
He racked up 26 disposals and kicked four goals – one of them a freakish left-foot shot while running along the boundary – as the Magpies rallied to win by 23 points.
Three weeks ago, all the focus was on Swan because of his slow start to the season.
Now all the attention is on the Brownlow Medallist for the right reasons.
“I just care what the (Collingwood) players and coaches think,” Swan said post-match.
“Externally, obviously it’s nice to read your name in the paper for all the positives and not being doorstopped on a Monday morning, asking ‘what’s wrong with you, why aren’t you getting a kick?’
“Not much worries me, but you obviously don’t like coming in to training on Monday knowing you’re not one of the better players or you haven’t tipped in to what we pride ourselves on.”
Buckley spoke of Swan’s mental resilience and belief in himself.
“You can’t have performed as consistently at a high level as Swannie has over a long period … he mentioned the word pride and that’s a really strong element,” Buckley said.
“So today, when we were challenged, Swannie stuck to what he does.”
Swan was also judged best afield two years ago on Anzac Day and said it was humbling.
He also offered some perspective, saying the occasion was bigger than the football.
“We don’t like to compare football to war, that’s just ridiculous, but if we can put on a good show and give a little bit back for everyone, it’s something we’re truly blessed to do,” he said.
“We’re under no illusion we’re lucky to play on this day.”
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