Dear Footy Tragics,

With the Gold Coast joining the AFL in 2011, many DT coaches will be wondering which players to jump onboard from the new franchise. With this in mind, over the next six weeks I will take a look at the Gold Coast players most likely to make an impact in 2011.

The introduction of a 17th team creates many DT questions such as: How will the Gold Coast players be priced? What happens with the bye each week? How many trades will we get if the season extends to 24 rounds? While I cannot answer these questions at this point in time, I can advise which players to select in 2011.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: David Swallow of the Gold Coast attempts to break free from the defence during the round one VFL match between the Gold Coast Football Club and Port Melbourne at Southport Sharks Australian Rules Football Club on the Gold Coast on April 10, 2010 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Barring injury or suspension, the first player to select in your 2011 DT is David Swallow. Swallow will be named as one of the Gold Coast’s first three selections in the 2010 National Draft and he is already playing VFL footy. Swallow is a hard running, goal kicking midfielder and he is the younger brother of Andrew Swallow, currently playing for North Melbourne. Swallow is also a ball magnet and an excellent kick of the football. Swallow is 186cms /83kgs and he will be 18 years of age by Round 1, 2011.

Here is a quick snapshot of Swallow’s last three years of footy:

  • 2008 – Represented WA at the NAB AFL Under 16 National Championships;
  • 2009 – Represented WA at the NAB AFL Under 18 National Championships, played 5 matches and averaged 21 disposals per game. Swallow was named joint winner of the Larke Medal (with Andrew Hooper from the Western Bulldogs) for the best division 1 player over the championships. Swallow also played 4 games for East Fremantle seniors in the WAFL, averaging 20 disposals per game;
  • 2010 – Currently playing for the Gold Coast in the VFL. Swallow has played 12 games this year, kicking 12 goals and has being named in the best players seven times. Swallow’s best game for the year was last Saturday, where he was best on ground in the Gold Coast’s one point win over the Bendigo Bombers. Needless to say, this form is extraordinary for a 17 year old boy playing against men in a very strong VFL competition.

Swallow chose to move from Perth to the Gold Coast 12 months early to prepare himself for AFL football in 2011. As a result by Round 1, 2011 Swallow will have completed two full AFL pre seasons.

We have seen players such as Tom Scully, Jack Trengove, Dustin Martin and Anthony Morabito make an immediate impact in their first year of AFL footy this year. I fully expect Swallow to do the same in 2011.

Good luck!