Swans director Peter Snow, West Perth president Brett Raponi and Swans president Peter Hodyl.
Camera IconSwans director Peter Snow, West Perth president Brett Raponi and Swans president Peter Hodyl. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Swan Districts keep the faith despite poor 2016 season

Justin BianchiniHills Avon Valley Gazette

The black and whites finished off a horror season on Saturday with a strong showing against finalists West Perth at Arena Joondalup.

“Our planning started probably at the beginning of this season,” club president Peter Hodyl said.

“We’ve put a lot of young kids through which is great.

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“And now certainly we need to identify a few areas we need to work in but we’re looking forward to a rapid rise next year.”

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Hodyl praised coach Greg Harding. “He’s a good communicator with our young kids,” he said.

“We’ve had significant challenges this year with a whole bunch of injuries we’ve had to deal with from the very first game but we haven’t lost faith.

“Young David Ellard is coming back after spending some years with Carlton. So he’s already signed with us – that’s great.

“There are probably another two positions we’d like to strengthen up, mostly through our midfield.

“I think we need some support in there for the guys like Matt Riggio and so forth – it requires a power of work.

“Ellard will certainly help in that respect.”

Hodyl, who joined West Perth president Brett Raponi, at the lunch ahead of the West Perth-Swans clash, said 25 players had made their league debut for Swans in the past three years.

The Falcons won the game 13.18 (96) to 11.10 (76).

Swans finished with two wins, while West Perth play South Fremantle in a qualifying final this Saturday at Fremantle Oval.