Occasion to savour for Swan Districts at Optus Stadium

The Swan Districts Football Club were part of another slice of history on Saturday and not only did the All-Abilities Team get to play on Optus Stadium, but they recorded a victory against Kelmscott.

It was an occasion to savour for everyone involved in the All-Abilities Team at Swan Districts as they got to play on Optus Stadium on Saturday afternoon as part of the WA All Abilities Football Association season for 2023.

Played as the curtain raiser to the AFL clash later in the day at Optus Stadium between the West Coast Eagles and Carlton, both the Swan Districts and Kelmscott teams got to have an experience none of them will ever forget by playing on what has been voted the world's most beautiful, and Australia's best stadium.

The occasion just to get to play on Optus Stadium was enough to make it a memorable day for everyone involved in the Swan Districts team, but to top it off they were also able to record the 7.5 (47) to 6.6 (42) win against Kelmscott.

The Head of Social Impact at the Swan Districts Football Club, Jason Burton, took great delight to see what it meant to everyone involved.

"Everyone wants to be able to emulate their heroes so for Swans players to be given the chance to play at Optus Stadium was huge," Burton said.

"There was definitely a real buzz and energy around the group and I’m sure every player will remember the experience forever."

In the bigger picture, the Swan Districts Football Club has made it such a focus to become much more than a place for their senior WAFL and WAFLW footballers to come and play.

The club has become a social hub for the Bassendean and surrounding areas, has programs in place for people of all ages, all abilities and provides something for everyone whether they are looking to stay physically or intellectually active, need some help and guidance, or just some social interaction.

A big part now of the Swan Districts Football Club is the All-Abilities Team which plays in the WA All Abilities Football Association. Burton takes a lot of pride in making it something that gives all those involved plenty of gratification from.

"For the club we want to make sure we can empower everyone to be included and create a community where everyone belongs," Burton added.

"Our All Abilities team is a strong example where Swans is more than just winning games of football, it’s about opportunities and the impact we can have socially, no matter what your circumstance.

"We’re really grateful for the chance to play at Optus Stadium and hopefully it can inspire others to see that anything is possible."

In the game on Saturday afternoon at Optus Stadium, the Swan Districts team got off to a fast start holding Kelmscott goalless in the opening quarter while kicking three goals.

It was a tight contest from there but two goals in the last quarter was enough for the Swans to hold on for the five-point victory.

Jude Farrell had a day to remember for Swan Districts on the big stage kicking five of the seven goals. The other two goals were kicked by Blake Cooper.

The victory was the first of the season for Swan Districts after a first up loss to High Wycombe. The team has the bye this coming weekend before returning to action on Saturday May 13 against Wembley at Pat Goodridge Reserve in Wembley.