When Dane Swan trots onto the ground at Perth this weekend some things will be the same, some will be different.
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He'll be in the same black and white jumper sporting number 36 in front of a vociferous Magpie army.
But 10 years after winning the 2011 Brownlow Medal, it'll be Macqueen and McGillvery calling for a handball instead of Maxwell and Macaffer.
The five-time All-Australian will represent the Magpies in the NTFA's season opener against Old Scotch on Saturday after arranging a deal with new coach Danny Bennett.
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Perth president Steve McCann said Swan's presence would be huge for the club.
"It's a great thing and not just for the club but the community," he said.
"We've been out of football for 12 months and we didn't have clubrooms because of an issue that hatched through COVID - all the floors were taken out - so financially that melted us a little bit.
"We were blessed that some of our sponsors ... came to the fore quickly this year to make this affordable.
"So while it's great for the club and the guys to be around him, I think it's also great for the community to kick off the year with something positive."
After conducting a session with Meander Valley's NTFAW team, Swan will address Perth and Old Scotch's playing groups at half-time of the reserves match before lining up in the 2pm senior contest.
A function will follow later on that night with Swan, manager Ricky Nixon and comedian Chris Franklin the special guests.
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About 15 tickets were still available on Thursday afternoon.
Gates open at 10am on Saturday, with spectators required to use the COVID app upon entry.
Restrictions mean spectators will not be permitted on the ground during the quarter-time, half-time and three-quarter time breaks.
FAST FACTS
- What: NTFA division one. Perth v Old Scotch
- Where: Perth Football Ground
- When: Saturday
- Schedule: Reserves at 12pm, seniors at 2pm
- Entry: $8