2 days Ago By Brent Godde
It certainly wasn't team success that was the motivating factor for Chiltern's Jayden Vandermeer to remain loyal to the Swans early in his career. or signup to continue reading After making his senior debut in 2011 under coach Dane O'Neill while still eligible for thirds, Vandermeer said he could count his number of finals appearances on one hand pre-COVID. "Before COVID I reckon I played in a couple of elimination finals and got beat," Vandermeer said.
"We did make the preliminary final in 2015 when Mark Doolan was coach but I missed the match with injury. "So I certainly had some lean years in regards to finals appearances at the beginning of my career." Despite the Swans' lack of success, Vandermeer's passion for the red and white never waivered.
His loyalty was rewarded when he notched his 200-match milestone with his beloved Swans against Dederang-Mt Beauty last weekend. Vandermeer said it was a 'special' moment to reach the impressive milestone. "It's special and I feel privileged to play 200-matches for a club like Chiltern which boasts such a rich history," he said.
"It's a good feeling to reach the milestone. "I don't remember too much about my senior debut other than it was a win against Tallangatta. "It seems like a long time ago now.
"This is my 14th season of senior football and like everyone else, COVID robbed me of a few games. "But it's certainly been a long time at the one club and something that I'm immensely proud of." Now 29, Vandermeer has enjoyed the fin.
