Rigoni ready for next stage of life at Swans

Jez Rigoni is excited to have made the move west to join Swan Districts in 2026 where his versatility to play multiple positions will become a great strength on the back of a 2025 where the 19-year-old developed tremendously.

Following a 2025 where Rigoni got his first taste of playing in the VFL for 11 matches with Sandringham and was also part of a premiership with his hometown Wangaratta Rovers, he was open to any football possibilities in 2026.

That’s when he thought that the football style of the WAFL would be ideally suited to his versatile strengths and running power, and that the WA lifestyle was rather attractive too so he thought heading across the Nullarbor was a good option.

Then he had to settle on his next football home and from the moment he first talked to anyone from Swan Districts, it soon became obvious to him that’s where he wa

“At the end of the season I didn’t really have much of an idea as to where I would be playing in 2026, but sort of weighed up my options and thought that the move to WA would be best for me,” Rigoni said.

“I’m more of an outside player who likes to run and carry and I think the bigger grounds will hopefully help me do that.

“Swans reached out to me, it was definitely at the front of my mind for a few weeks as I tried to weigh up weather I would stay in Melbourne or move over to WA. I finally made the decision to come across and haven’t looked back since.”

Moving across the country for the next stage of your football career is a big step for anybody and especially someone like Rigoni who is just 19 years of age.

However, for a number of reasons he’s feeling more excited than daunted about now settling in WA having already moved from his home in Wangaratta to finish his schooling in Melbourne, and given he will be part of a few other Victorians doing similar by coming to Swans in 2026.

“I went to boarding school at Caulfield Grammar from Year 10 to 12 and lived out of home last year to play footy down in Melbourne so I think that will help me a lot moving across,” he said.

“Whilst I’m a bit nervous, I can’t wait to settle in and get into the main block of pre-season and meet all the boys.”

Rigoni made the leap to play 11 games in the VFL in 2025 with Sandringham which he feels will be crucial to now fitting at Swan Districts to play WAFL having experienced state league football, and getting to learn from current and former St Kilda AFL players at the same time.

“Playing in the VFL for Sandy this year was a great experience where I learnt a lot from a lot of quality players and coaches including Brendon Goddard and Lenny Hayes,” Rigoni said.

“It was a bit of a step up but to play 11 games with them this year was great for my development.”

Not only did Rigoni play the 11 matches in the VFL with Sandringham in 2025, but he also played back at his home club of Wangaratta. It meant the world to him to help them win the Ovens and Murray Football Netball League.

“I was lucky enough to also qualify for finals in the Ovens and Murray where my home club Wangaratta Rovers went on to win the premiership,” Rigoni said.

“It was unreal to be a part of that team and something I’m so grateful to be a part of. Rovers have such loyal and strong supporters so for the seniors to go back to back was pretty cool to see everyone around the club so happy and proud of the group.”

Playing at a club with an affiliation with an AFL team like Rigoni did last year in the VFL at Sandringham who were linked with St Kilda, it means versatility becomes crucial because you can be thrown around a lot.

That’s where Rigoni was able to thrive where the usual regular midfielder spent time both off half-back and in the forward-line showing that he was more than capable of contributing strongly.

“I think this year in the VFL I was a bit lucky that I was relatively versatile,” Rigoni said.

“Being at an AFL aligned club it can be pretty tough to hold your position in the team especially when the AFL listed players are coming into the side.

“Yeah, so I was lucky to play multiple positions with Sandy this year and it probably meant that at times when I could have been dropped I was able to hold my spot and play in a different position.

“I think my best position is off half back or on the wing, but happy to play anywhere.”

Already since arriving in WA and being part of pre-season training with Swan Districts what’s stood out to Rigoni is that famous black-and-white supporter base and that’s before he’s even experienced that on game day.

He is excited to come to a club like Swans with such a strong culture and heritage, and already can’t wait to experience all of it throughout 2026 for the first time.

“Since moving over I’ve noticed how big swans are as a club and that they have a very big supporter base,” Rigoni said.

“It’s been pretty cool to come to a club where there’s so many volunteers and supporters passionate about the club. All the boys have been very welcoming and I can’t wait for the year ahead.”