Irishtown Football Club’s Johnathon Swan, also known as Swanny, is a good old-fashioned one-club man, with 300 games for the Irishtown Canaries under his belt.

Starting his football career at age nine, Swanny ran out for the first time with the Canaries’ Under 13 side 23 years ago. 

He’s been representing the club in some way, shape or form almost every Saturday since, notching up 300 games and nine premierships in the process.

“The club has a great atmosphere and a good spirit about it,” he says.

“It keeps me coming back every year.”

Swanny was honoured with a Life Membership to the club two years ago.

“It made me feel really proud,” he says. 

“I consider everyone around the club as family, I love it.”

Of his nine premierships, the ones shared with his brothers, Michael and Danny Swan and Jamie Horton, are the sweetest. 

“There’s no greater feeling than winning a Grand Final surrounded by your brothers and your mates.”

Now 33, Swanny hopes to squeeze in a few more seasons before he hangs up the boots.

This weekend in round 10 of the Circular Head Football Association, Swanny and the Canaries will host the Scotchtown Tigers as the home side storms towards finals.

Johnny Swan is a cult figure around the Irishtown Football Club and Circular Head, recently notching 300 games with the club. Picture: Leanne Everett.