Dennis Carroll meets Riverina fans

As AFL rival Greater Western Sydney is hard at work to establish a home in the Riverina, Carroll is adamant support for the Swans runs too deep to be challenged.

Speaking yesterday, the former Swans captain from Ganmain admitted the historical link between the club and the Riverina cannot be undermined.

“The connection between the Swans and the Riverina goes way back to the zone recruiting days when this area was zoned to the South Melbourne Swans,” he said.

“That was four or five decades ago now.

“There’s still a lot of support here and I think that’s pretty evident.

“The Riverina has always been a heartland for the Swans and it always will be.”

Captain of the Swans for eight years and halfback flank in the team of the century, Carroll’s sentiments come with the highest regard.

In town for the Sydney Swans Supporters of Wagga Christmas luncheon at the Rules Club yesterday, Carroll swelled with pride as he addressed the diehard members.

Red and white decorations filled the room while 110 loyal supporters gathered around Carroll for words of wisdom from the local hero.

“Clearly this has been going for many years, and the support that they show the Swans is fantastic,” he said.

“It’s great to see all of the red and white here, it’s really important for the club.”

Making the return home for the holidays, nowadays Carroll spends his days overseeing the Swans Academy for 10-18 year olds to ensure the future of the club.

Carroll also acts as the player welfare development officer for the senior squad during the on-season.

“I try to make sure that when footy finishes up for these boys that it’s not such a big leap into the real world,” he said. “It’s good to get home though, and this is a great way to celebrate Christmas with the supporters.”