It’s been a long time coming for the 24-year-old, who sat through eight matches this season as the Swans’ emergency before finally getting his opportunity to suit up with his team mates this weekend.
Speaking to SwansTV, Towers, who was recruited from the North Ballarat Roosters in the 2012 National Draft, said he felt a mixture of excitement and relief to get his chance against the Blues.
Towers in for Jones
“It’s probably the worst job in football,” Towers said of his time as the senior emergency.
“It’s pretty devastating watching all the boys run out to play football and then going in to shower up week after week.
“But it’s going to be great to run out with them this week.
“I’ve worked hard for it, so I can’t wait to get out there.”
His time as the club’s emergency wasn’t the only road block this season, with Towers also being sidelined recently for three weeks with a fractured rib
Towers said while the injury could not have come at a worse time, he didn’t give up on his goal to play senior football this season.
“I felt like I was getting really close and was playing consistently,” he said.
“There is never a good time for an injury and it was definitely bad timing.
“But I got back into it and got that consistency back up and now I’ve found myself in the side.
“I suppose you just set new goals every year and I’ve just been working to achieve those every year.
“This has been a long-term goal and it’s taken a while to get to here, so it’s been great.”
Dean Towers player profile
After a long build up, Towers said he was “hopeful” when senior coach John Longmire pulled him aside following Thursday’s training session.
“It was just before lunch after training and ‘Horse’ took me aside,” he said.
“I was hopeful at the start of the day, but I didn’t think I’d be playing.
“I actually nearly hit him in the head with a football at training, so I was a bit worried that he might be angry at me.
“He just told me that I was going to debut and it was just a relief after what’s been such a long journey.
“I just can’t wait to get out there.”
Towers will be supported by his family who will travel up from Colac, in Victoria’s western district, for Saturday night’s match.
“They’ve already booked flights,” he said.
“It’s going to be great to have them here and good to see Dad out there.”
