Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew has dedicated their upset of Geelong to “problem solver” David Swallow in his 200th AFL game.
The Suns were wayward early but eventually their dominance of the stoppages showed in a 19-point win at home on Sunday.
Swallow had 15 touches, seven tackles, three clearances and three inside 50s to set the tone in a week that had been dedicated to the former captain.
“He’s just a giver, always has been for this footy club,” Dew said of the 30-year-old midfielder.
“A couple of times he’s had decisions for his career (to move clubs) and I’m sure he’s understood what staying meant and the flow-on that had on others.
“He’s been through adversity and his best is still to come.
“Always selfless and no ego … No.1 draft pick, new club. His ego surely could’ve been out of control.
“If you’ve got a problem you go to Dave and he’ll do his best to solve it.”
Jack Lukosius’s career-best five goal haul featured a booming set shot from beyond 60m that created the match-winning buffer.
“You’ve got to celebrate the skill of these guys and it’s such a unique skill to have, to be able to do that,” Dew said.
“Not many can, and I’m glad it went through … we needed it.”
Dew rejoiced in the confidence of game-breaking defender Lachie Weller and heaped praise on midfielder Matt Rowell (24 touches, eight clearances).
“I’m seeing a complete midfielder … if any young mids are watching TV, go and have a look at his first three weeks of the AFL season and watch the way he goes about it,” he said.
“If you’re just looking at the stats, it’s a disservice to Rowelly and it’s a disservice to the game to not understand his will to win.
“His competitive nature is unbelievable. He’s only going to get better.”
© AAP 2023
