John Stone joins Swans as our inaugural Integrated coach

The man who guided Coolbinia to 6 premierships within the Perth Football League’s Integrated competition has joined Swans as it’s inaugural coach in 2022.

John Stone, and his wife Kylie as Team Manager, spent 8 years cultivating a successful Integrated program at Coolbinia, where they were at the heart of the team’s success. After announcing his retirement from coaching at the end of last season, the Stone’s had planned for some time off, before learning of Swan’s plans to field a team in 2022 through Swans All Abilities Coordinator, Toby Anscombe.

Members of the Swans “Can Bar” may recognise “Stoney” who would often spend a Saturday afternoon there with his teammates from the Bassendean Vets / Central Crocs Masters Footy.

Over the course of several months, Anscombe, shared the direction that Swans were wanting to achieve with the program and Stone, while not actively seeking a new environment, grew more and more interested in helping to be a part of Swans vision. Stone first become involved in all abilities football 8 years ago, as his stepson had Down Syndrome. Stone’s stepson showed him the value of inclusion, and the worth that a person with differing abilities can contribute to the community.

Stone said that it his vision at Swans is for players to “enjoy learning the game, improve their skills and work as a team, but most importantly, have fun!”

“Swans have created a unique atmosphere at Steel Blue Oval, where everyone within the community feels actively involved and has a real sense of belonging. It is massive to see the level of engagement and support from the WAFL and WAFLW players, as well as members and supporters.”

“We are being made to build a team completely from scratch which is really exciting.”

“With a lot of players new to football, the real positive that I am seeing already is the technical improvement in our players at training, but also the comradery and a real sense of support for each other which is being driven by those who have played the game before.”

Pre-season training is currently being run on Tuesdays (5-6pm) at Steel Blue Oval, and Thursdays (5-6) at Ashfield Primary School.  For more information on being involved in Swans Integrated team, whether that be as a player or volunteer, contact Toby Anscombe on tanscombe@swandistrictsfc.com.