Swans veterans continue captaincy in 2020

Question: What do you get when you cross an Eagle, Kangaroo and Magpie?

This question will be answered during the shortened 2020 Optus WAFL Premiership Season, with the Swan Districts league side being led by three club veterans, all with AFL experience.

Swans life-members and fan favourites, Tony Notte and Matt Riggio, will lead the charge as co-captains for the second year in a row, with big man Corey Gault as their vice.

A valiant serviceman to the club, Tony is entering his 14^th season with the senior side at Swan Districts. Having spent a couple of years on the West Coast Eagles list after being drafted with pick 20 in 2007, it could be argued that his magnet is first to be placed on the selection board each week.

‘Any time you can captain a club at any level, it’s a big honour’ he said.

‘To be able to do it with Riggs (Matt Riggio), who I’ve played so much footy with, it makes such a big difference to be able to lean on someone who has great experience as a leader, especially this year being such a different year.’

Matt comes into the 2020 season looking to reach the 200 game milestone, needing only eight more games to achieve this great feat. He was selected at pick 28 in the 2005 draft by North Melbourne and has taken on the role of midfield coach this year for the Swans WAFLW team.

Honoured with the opportunity to back up a strong season as co-captain last year, Matt says he didn’t ever expect to represent the club in this capacity and is happy his team mates see him as someone they can rely on, both on and off the field.

‘When Pickers (coach Adam Pickering) asked me last year, I was really excited, and to still have the support of the boys and be regarded as a leader this season as well is really awesome’ he said.

Initially drafted by Collingwood with pick No.65 in the 2011 Draft, Corey spent five years at the Magpies before calling time on his AFL career to return home to WA. A tall forward who played for the Swans prior to his time in the AFL, he brings strong leadership and professionalism to the club in his second year as vice-captain.

‘This is my fourth year at the club, and to get the respect of my peers, as well as the coaches, is really good’ he said.

‘I played Colts at Swan Districts, and the club gave me the opportunity to get drafted. So having this leadership role strengthens my ability to be able to give back to the club in a positive way.’