Swans Champion Retires

Swan Districts Football Club farewells club champion David Ellard. The co-captain announced his retirement to the playing group last night.

Ellard was drafted to Carlton from Swans in 2007. He went on to play 63 games over eight seasons for Carlton before retiring from AFL football at the end of the 2015 season. He then returned to Bassendean in 2017 to be appointed co-captain of the club and play three years and 37 league games with Swans.

He succumbed to injuries during the 2019 season and unfortunately couldn’t finish his career with a final game for the club.

“He’s a wonderful example of the type of person that our footy club has been built on”, coach Adam Pickering said. “Dave gave absolutely everything to succeed at his career in football leaving no stone unturned. Although I’ve only been involved with him directly for two years, the way he went about his preparation and commitment I will forever be using him as an example for our younger players coming through on how they should be approaching football and life”.

Club Chief Executive Jeff Dennis also paid tribute. “On behalf of everyone at the club – the players, coaching and support staff, the Board, administration staff and club supporters, we would like to thank Dave for all of the passion, drive and determination he has brought to the club over his time and we wish him the very best for whatever the future holds. We certainly would welcome him to stay involved with the club in some capacity”.