Sydney Swans coach John Longmire added another feather to his cap following the unveiling of the Riverina AFL Team of the Century on Friday night.
Longmire, joined by a host of former Swans, was inducted into a distinguished team during a gala dinner staged at the Murrumbidgee Turf Club in Wagga Wagga.
South Melbourne/Sydney Swans Team of the Century members Paul Kelly and Dennis Carroll were also welcomed.
The trio were part of an extended 50-man list of candidates, all of whom needed to have played junior football in the southern NSW region and managed more than 50 games at AFL, VFL or state league level to be considered.
Longmire, named in the forward pocket, originated from Corowa-Rutherglen before running rampant in North Melbourne’s forward line for more than a decade.
Kelly, slotting in at centre, made a name for himself at the Wagga Tigers then forged a legacy as the 234-game champ supporters know and love.
“Captain Courageous” at the Swans, Kelly also earned the Riverina’s vice-captaincy.
Carroll, named at centre-half back, was a product of Lockhart and Tumbarumba before going on and playing 219 games for the Swans.
“It’s a wonderful honour,” Carroll said. “It’s a great celebration of footballing talent from the region.
“To be acknowledged in that company was very humbling.”
Championed by former Essendon and GWS coach Kevin Sheedy, the Riverina AFL Team of the Century aimed to acknowledge the achievements of players from within the region encompassed by the Great Dividing Range to the east, Lachlan River to the north and west, and the Victorian border to the south.
AFL NSW/ACT, AFL Riverina and GWS assisted in the selection of the final line-up.
Longmire, Kelly and Carroll were the official guest speakers on the night, alongside Sheedy and fellow candidate Shane Crawford.
Other former Swans to be inducted were Leo Barry, Adam Schneider, David Murphy, Ricky Quade, Anthony Daniher, Terry Daniher and Bernard Toohey.
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