David Swallow’s Emotional Farewell: From First Sun to Finals Hero

A Historic Moment for Gold Coast’s Inaugural Pick

Gold Coast veteran David Swallow, age 32, who was the first player ever drafted to the Suns with the first overall pick in the 2010 AFL Draft, has announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 season. The stalwart has played 247 games across 15 AFL seasons.

Throughout Gold Coast’s turbulent history, Swallow has been the one playing constant, serving as co-captain with Jarrod Witts from 2019-21. Despite missing nearly two full seasons in 2015-16 due to a serious knee injury, he returned to become a consistent performer and vital source of experience for the Suns.

Fairytale Finals Finish

In a dramatic conclusion to his career, Swallow played a pivotal role in Gold Coast’s first-ever finals appearance, helping the team defeat Fremantle by a single point in an elimination final thriller. The retiring veteran himself kicked the decisive behind in the final seconds to put his side ahead.

In his retirement announcement, Swallow expressed his gratitude to the club, stating he would ‘forever be indebted to the SUNS.’ He reflected on spending his entire adult life with the club, having two children during his time there, and sharing countless memories. He noted that the finals appearance marked ‘just the beginning’ for the club.

Legacy of Leadership

As one of the longest-serving SUNS in history, Swallow’s career has been characterized by his fearless approach as a ball-winning inside midfielder. His contributions to the club have been recognized with Life Membership, and he reached his 200th game milestone in 2023.

His commitment to the club, which began in modest facilities now nicknamed ‘the tin shed,’ proved vital during challenging times. As noted by club officials, Swallow’s early commitment to extending his stay helped stabilize the club during a period of turmoil, providing a foundation for future growth.