AFL
3 months ago
"Forever indebted": Inaugural Sun to retire at season's end
By SEN
Inaugural Sun and former club captain David Swallow has announced his retirement at season’s end.
Joining the club in their debut season in 2011, Swallow played 247 games across 14 seasons with the Gold Coast, kicking 111 goals and winning a best and fairest in 2014.
Taken with the first overall pick in the 2010 draft, Swallow is officially marked as the Suns’ first ever AFL player and retires as the club’s current record games holder.
Speaking to the midfielder's loyalty, this Saturday's Elimination Final clash between Gold Coast and Fremantle will mark the 32-year-old's first ever finals action if selected.
“I firstly want say how thankful I am to the footy club and everyone who’s here today, and all the people that have come before me,” Swallow said in a team meeting on Tuesday morning.
“This club gave me a chance a long time ago. I’ll forever be indebted to the SUNS and am so thankful for the opportunities this club has afforded me and my family.
“I’ve spent my whole adult life here, had two beautiful kids in that time and share a lot of wonderful memories with so many people.
“We’ve got the biggest game in the club’s history this weekend, and I feel like it’s just the beginning for us. I’ve waited my whole career to get this point, and I’m proud to still be here and get to be a part of that.
“It’s just the beginning for this team and this club.”
Fellow veteran Sun Sean Lemmens has also announced his retirement following 12 years up north.
“I’ve had a lot of time over the last couple of months to reflect on the last 12 years here. I am so truly grateful that this amazing club gave me an opportunity to live out a dream and achieve so many special things,” Lemmens said.
“I have made so many lifelong friends along the way, there are so many people at the club today that I absolutely love.
“To the playing group, it’s been an absolutely privilege to go to work every day with such a connected group that I care about so much. The way I play is hard and I put my body on the line, but it’s easy to do that for people you love and care about.
“We’ve come a long way in the last 12 years as a club. We’ve still got plenty of footy left in us this year and I’m excited for where that can take us.”
