The Sydney Swans have finalised their list changes for 2012, with four senior players delisted today.
Paul Bevan will be leaving after spending nine years at the Swans. He played a total of 129 games, including the 2005 premiership, after joining as a rookie list player in 2003.
One of the most courageous players at the Club, 27-year-old Bevan played junior footy for Sydney’s Western Suburbs team and has been highly respected at the Swans for his selfless attitude, work ethic and ability to play either in attack or defence.
The other players delisted today were Campbell Heath, who played two senior games in 2010, Byron Sumner, who played one senior game in 2011, and ruckman Daniel Currie.
Swans coach John Longmire said Campbell Heath would be invited back to take part in pre-season training when it starts in November.
Three rookie list players have also been delisted - Chris McKaigue, who has returned to Ireland, and Ben Haren and Max Otten. Eugene Kruger and Dylan McNeil will be retained on the rookie list for 2012, while Nathan Gordon will be elevated from the rookie list to the senior list.
Longmire paid special tribute to Paul Bevan for his wonderful service to the Swans.
“Bevo is one of the most professional and disciplined young men we’ve had at the Club during my 10 years here,’’ Longmire said.
“He always set a fantastic example with his fearless attack on the ball and it would be difficult to find a player who went harder at it than him.
“It is difficult to part ways with Bevo but I want to say he has made the absolute most of his talents and had a fantastic career since he came to the Club as a rookie in 2003.
“It is a testament to his determination and drive that he came off the rookie list to play in the 2005 premiership. Bevo will always be part of history at this Club,’’ Longmire said.
“I also want to thank Dan, Byron, Chris, Ben and Max for their contributions to the Club and wish them all the best for the future. And we hope Campbell may still have a future at the Club.’’
The four delistings mean there have been eight changes in total to the Swans 2011 senior list, and three changes to the 2011 rookie list.
IN FOR 2012
Tony Armstrong (trade - Adelaide)
Mitch Morton (trade - Richmond)
Tommy Walsh (trade - St Kilda)
Nathan Gordon (rookie list elevation)
Tom Mitchell (Father-son nomination; Swans will use pick 21 in November draft)
Picks 43 and 61 in November draft
OUT
Craig Bolton (retired)
Daniel Bradshaw (retired)
Tadhg Kennelly (retired)
Lewis Johnston (trade - Adelaide)
Paul Bevan (delisted)
Campbell Heath (delisted but invited to pre-season training)
Dan Currie (delisted)
Byron Sumner (delisted)
Chris McKaigue (delisted rookie)
Ben Haren (delisted rookie)
Max Otten (delisted rookie)
Paul Bevan through the years: |