The fairytale finish for Gold Coast legend David Swallow is on.
Suns coach Damien Hardwick has no shortage of themes he can use to inspire his troops in pre-game speeches, but he believes the return of Swallow to the senior side will be the most inspiring as the club embarks on its maiden finals series.
Swallow holds the record for most V/AFL games without a final at 247, but after Saturday, he will return the unwanted accomplishment to St Kilda great Trevor Barker.
The 32-year-old has impressed in recent weeks since overcoming a knee concern, and according to Hardwick, has earned his spot.
"We love what Dave brings and how he operates. He is Gold Coast," Hardwick said.
"He brings not only his physical and combative nature on the field, but he also brings a spirit we want to play with.
"That's a thing you've got to consider as a coach. There is very much an emotional state you want your side to play in, and I think Dave will add to that emotional state.
"I think our guys are mature enough to understand the significance of the milestone and the significance of Dave Swallow playing, and hopefully it provides some sort of inspiration too."
The Suns coach also revealed that Swallow wasn't rushed back for the club's unique Round 24 clash against Essendon due to the injury, in the hope he'd be available for the first week of September.
"He had a pretty big knee injury that would have kept most people out," Hardwick said.
"It sums up Dave Swallow, he'll do anything to play, he'll give everything to play.
"He loves the club so much. It's why we picked him. He didn't get given a game. He earned the game, absolutely."
