\n Coach Damien Hardwick has confirmed David Swallow will feature against Fremantle on Saturday\n <\/p>\n
David Swallow celebrates during the round eight match between Brisbane and Gold Coast at The Gabba, May 4, 2025. Picture: Getty Images<\/p>\n
RETIRING Gold Coast champion David Swallow will play in the club’s maiden AFL final against Fremantle.<\/p>\n
The 32-year-old, who was the first player ever drafted to the Suns in 2010, has played 247 games over 15 seasons.<\/p>\n
He has only featured seven times in 2025 – including four as the substitute – but will run out in Saturday night’s elimination final against the Dockers.<\/p>\n
Coach Damien Hardwick confirmed the former No.1 pick would play in the historic match.<\/p>\n
“The man will play. We\u2019re not giving him a game, he’s earned the game. He’s been an outstanding contributor to our football club,” Hardwick told Fox Footy.<\/p>\n
“He stayed when others left. He epitomises what our footy club is built on the back of.<\/p>\n
“He’s earned the right to play a finals game … he’ll go well.<\/p>\n
“Emotion can go one of two ways, you can either go over the top or it can inspire.<\/p>\n
“I think our players can only benefit from that buzz and that excitement, and we’ll play for him, no question.”<\/p>\n