Dane Swan – Powerhouse

The scene is based on Anzac day 2012. Dane has just kicked one of his 3 goals in a best on ground performance. He pumps his fist in triumph to the Collingwood faithful and in defiance of all the critics that were questioning his commitment at the time.

“Too fat, not putting in etc…” were the cries from the back seat drivers in the press. About a man who had just recently stated publicly that he would be a Magpie for life. He could take a million offers for double the pay to go somewhere else, but I reckon he wont…ever.

So the theme for this painting was about the soul of the player and the soul of the Club becoming one. Here we see Dane’s dragon tattoo on his torso subtly merging with the Black and White stripes.

Dane has also penned a few words on the bottom of the print about what it means to him to be a Collingwood man, tough and through. It reads in his own words, as follows:

“Collingwood gave me a chance when no-one else would. Every time I run out to play I give my heart and soul and hopefully, I have repaid their faith in me. That’s why you see here that my body tattoos have merged with the jumper. I a black and white, through and through. Winning individual awards is great but nothing comes close to the feeling you get when you win a premiership. it is hard to describe that feeling when you look into the eyes of your closest mates and realise what you have achieved together. I want that feeling again.” Dane Swan – Collingwood Football Club.

Original artwork 2012 oil on canvas 1.8 x 1.2 m Private collection Melbourne