Departures: Michael Wilson (Gunnedah Bulldogs), Shaun Wadwell (Lismore Swans)
Coach: Rick Watt
Captain: Damien Wendt
The Tamworth Swans had an up and down year in 2008, just missing the finals and rebuilding their club both on and off the ground. Their big pick up in 2008 was finding Coach, Rick Watt. Watt moved to Tamworth in his employment and luckily for the Swans joined them after the season started. Watt has played the game at the highest level with Collingwood in the 1960's and 1970's. During this time Watt played in 4 losing AFL (VFL) Grand Finals, represented the VFL in 1969 at the Adelaide Carnival were earned a All Australian Honour. When Watt finished in the VFL in 1971 played for several clubs before playing for East Davenport in Tasmania. There Watt won his club's best and fairest and the Wander Medal the league's best and fairest. At the back end of the 2008 season Watt had the Swans playing a good brand of football and they will be the better for having a pre season under his tutelage.
The Swans No.1 ruckman last year, Shaun Wadwell aka Big Bird, has moved to Lismore Swans and will be a big loss for them. Wadwell got
better with each game and the Swans will be casting their net wide looking for a suitable replacement.
The Swans on and off field rebuilding will continue this year and the improvements from last year will start to show. The big improvement for the Swans on field department is the luring back of some old club stalwarts and the recruitment of some local kids. The Swans will again have an up and down year, but will win more then they lose if they stick to Coach Rick Watt's game plan.
I have a feeling that the Swans will be pushing to play finals this year and will finish in a fight for 4th place.
Last Modified on 27/05/2009 08:46