Lavington footballer wins SANFL premiership in comeback victory
Alex Swinnerton, 20, won the SANFL grand final with Norwood after moving from regional Victoria, as the team came back from 18 points down.
Swinnerton left Lavington for Adelaide and Norwood at the start of the season. Norwood won the grand final 14 points ahead of Sturt, scoring five goals in the final term after trailing by 18 points at three-quarter time.
Almost 38,000 people watched. Swinnerton played small forward and kicked a goal.
Moving interstate meant leaving family and friends, and his long-distance relationship ended early in the season. Swinnerton said having fellow recruit Josh Murphy from North Albury move with him made the sacrifice easier.
- 20 years old
- Player age
- From 18 down at three-quarter time
- Grand final comeback margin
- Almost 38,000
- Grand final attendance
- Adam Schneider
- Coach who encouraged move
Why it mattersShows a young player's willingness to sacrifice and chase opportunity at a higher level can lead to success and vindication of a hard choice.
AustraliaSANFL premiership demonstrates how regional Australian footballers move to bigger competitions; Norwood's grand final win also boosts South Australian sport.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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