Alex Johnson’s debut won’t be the only significant milestone for the Swans in the game against West Coast on Saturday night, with co-captain Jarrad McVeigh to play his 150th AFL game.

McVeigh grew up on the Central Coast of New South Wales, playing his junior football at Pennant Hills, and was taken by the Swans with the number 5 pick in the 2002 National Draft.

He made his debut against the then premiers Brisbane Lions in round one 2004, and while his early career was notable for his run-with roles - and long flowing locks - he has since developed into an elite attacking midfielder.


Jarrad McVeigh against Collingwood in 2004

After the disappointment of missing out on the Swans 2005 premiership side, McVeigh played every game of the 2006 season and was crucial in both finals against the West Coast Eagles - the Qualifying Final and Grand Final - resulting in him being named amongst the Swans best on both occasions.

McVeigh was awarded the Swans Most Improved Player in 2007, before winning the Bob Skilton Medal as the Club champion in 2008, finishing 10 points ahead of Brett Kirk after polling the maximum 50 votes for his career-high six goal game against the Western Bulldogs in round 18.

McVeigh - who has double the reason to celebration with his birthday today - finished fourth in last year’s Club champion vote count, and has since been appointed co-captain of the Swans alongside Adam Goodes.

In one of his first duties as captain, McVeigh gave a rousing speech to the 600 guests at the Club’s Guernsey Presentation dinner in March, imploring his teammates to ‘make sure that now is our time’.

In his ninth season at the Swans, McVeigh has certainly made sure his time is now.