SWAN Districts Football Club has confirmed the return of former Fremantle Football Club tagger Ryan Crowley to Bassendean Oval next season.
The experienced midfielder was set to join the WAFL club in a two-year deal this season that would have him take on the role of midfield coach as well as player.
He instead received an AFL lifeline from Essendon, where he played eight games as part of his role as a top-up player for the embattled club earlier this season.
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READ NOWA Swan Districts Football Club spokesman said during a brief stint at the club last year, it was obvious that Crowley would bring a wealth of knowledge and an unrivalled professionalism to the group.
“In his 196 games of AFL footy, he has had to display incredible mental strength given the role he played week in, week out,” he said.
“No other player in recent history could boast to have played on the consistent quality of opponent that Ryan has had to compete against over the past decade.
“The ability to prepare and succeed against such quality is going to be a great example to our young players coming through the system.”
Crowley joins a list of delisted AFL players at the club including retired Collingwood forward Corey Gault, ex-Carlton player David Ellard, former Fremantle midfielder Clancee Pearce and West Coast defender Jamie Bennell.