Senior club profile: Lismore Swans
One of the great features of the 2021 season is the inclusion of two new clubs. In this second edition of the club profiles we look at one of these new additions – the Lismore Swans (a.k.a. the “Flock”).
The Swans have competed in the Summerland/Northern Rivers competition in various guises since the competition’s inception in 1984.
Lismore will enter our competition with both Senior Men’s and Women’s teams. 2021 represents the 10 year anniversary of the Swans’ last Senior Premiership, whilst their Women have been the dominant force in Women’s footy in the Northern Rivers. Both teams will be great additions to our competition.
HOW IS 2021 SHAPING UP? (Laura Cahill, President)
Moving to the AFL North Coast league is a really exciting transition for the club in 2021. We’re looking forward to playing against some new opponents, and giving our players the opportunity to experience different clubs and styles of football. We think that we have some quality players that will place us well for a final series appearance in both Women’s and Men’s footy, which will hopefully build our member base over the years to come.
MEN’S TEAM PROFILE
Coaches: Ashley Pritchard (Head Coach), Glenn Burns (Assistant)
Hailing from Victoria, Pritchard and Burns have made the move to Lismore with a wealth of knowledge and experience playing and coaching across a number of different teams in regional Victoria.
Leadership group: Our leadership groups are yet to be announced, and we look forward to sharing this announcement when it happens.
Who are you expecting big things from?:
We’re looking forward to seeing some of our younger players experience their second year of Senior footy and have the chance to play consistently across a season that will hopefully remain uninterrupted by COVID.
Big ins:
Andrew Baker will play his fourth season with the club, taking his games played for the Lismore Swans to 50, and we’re excited to see Joey Nicholls play out an entire season.
Big outs:
We lost a couple of key midfielders over the off season and hopefully this won’t cause too much chaos in the line-up.
WOMEN’S TEAM PROFILE
Coach: Ken McPherson (Head Coach), Salvatore Scholl (Assistant)
Leadership group: Announcements are yet to be made, but with one player on 50 games and another nearing this number, we daresay our fifth year players will be the ones to count on.
Who are you expecting big things from?:
There’s a new dynamic across the Women’s team this season, with a number of players finishing their playing careers in 2020. Looking forward to seeing the girls progress with their new teammates.
Big ins:
Again, the young players across the team are the future of the club, we’re excited to see them bond with their new teammates and set some solid foundations for future years. Keep an eye out for Holly Wall, Eliza O’Toole, and Tamara Smidt.
Big outs:
Our 2020 Best and Fairest winner has decided to take a hiatus for some other silly ball sport, so fingers crossed she changes her mind and steps back on the field this season!
