DEAN Finlay celebrates his 250th game for the Tamworth Swans when they play Inverell Saints at No 1 Oval, Tamworth on Saturday.
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The pony-tailed Swan, who runs the newsagency in Shoppingworld, has been a wonderful player and supporter for the club over many years and a member of the Swans’ side to win the 1996 TAFL flag.
A number of Finlay’s teammates from that premiership- winning side will be at the ground on Saturday to celebrate a 10-year reunion of that flag as well.
“We beat New England Nomads in Armidale,” current Swans coach Paul Kelly recalled.
“We’ve got a few from that side still playing – Josh (McKenzie) and Gavin Knee.
“It’s going to be a big day against the Saints.”
The Swans scored their first win of the season when 21-point winners over Moree Suns at Moree last Saturday but the second-placed Saints are a much tougher proposition.
The Saints are also coming off a bye and a thrashing in the previous round from the Nomads.
Finlay was also one of the Swans’ best last Saturday, scrapping for everything, as usual.
“He’s been around for so long,” Kelly said.
“I think he started with us in our second year in (the TAFL).
“He’s had a lot of injuries because he’s only lightly framed but plays like a front rower.
“It’s going to be a big day.
“We do have a lot of blokes coming back for the 10-year reunion of that premiership win and it will be good for everyone to celebrate Deano’s 250th.”
The Swans also have four sons of former players in the current lineup, two of whom are Kelly’s sons, Thomas and Cooper.
“Tom was the water boy when we won the 1996 grand final,” Kelly recalled.
Ed George and Jordan Tapper-Jeffries are also carrying on a family tradition.
While The Swans host Inverell Saints at No 1 Oval, unbeaten competition leaders New England Nomads go to Narrabri to tackle the Eagles and Gunnedah Bulldogs host Moree Suns at Wolseley Park in a ladies day match.
Tamworth Kangaroos have the bye.
