THE return of two-time Jack Betts Medallist Xavier Moloney and 194-game Essendon champion Michael Hurley has Swan Hill supporters salivating ahead of their annual King’s Birthday clash against arch-rivals Tyntynder on Saturday.
Both Moloney, who last played for the Swans in 2023, and Hurley will don the maroon and white for a special one-off appearance in front of what’s expected to be a large and parochial crowd at the Swan Hill Rec. Reserve.
It will be Hurley’s third match in three years for Swan Hill, with the former Bomber kicking seven goals in a near-best on ground performance against Tyntynder 12 months ago.
But it’s the return of crowd favourite and local hero Moloney that has Swans supporters excited, according to Swan Hill president Carl Hufer, who is keen to see his club claim bragging rights against their neighbours for the next 12 months.
“We look forward to this game every year, it’s King’s birthday and a standalone game against our rivals and hopefully we get a big crowd there to enjoy the evening,” Hufer told The Guardian this week.
“Since we’ve told people he’s (Moloney) playing there’s been a fair bit of excitement from the older members and past players.
“He’s keen to run out in the maroon and white again too and it will be great to see him play again
“It’s worked out that we can also get the help of Michael Hurley as well and it’s fair to say were probably in a position where we need that help.
“But combined with Xav and Hurls and several of our talented kids returning, we think it’ll be a really competitive game of footy that everyone will enjoy.
“In terms of the match itself though it will be on because I know they want to beat us and we want to beat them, it’s our biggest rivalry and we just hope we can get over the line.”
The Swans will also have several of their talented juniors returning with Bendigo Pioneers pair Sonny Beasy and Wil Bennett, as well as Melbourne Grammar’s Bodhi Kelly, North Ballarat’s Taj McMillian and Heidelberg’s Buol Majur all set to play in the marquee match-up.
Swan Hill won’t be alone in having several big name inclusions however, with Casey Demons star Roy George set to pull on the boots once again for Tyntynder, along with Jordi Bibby, Jack Woodward and Harrison Hawkins.
With the last race of the June Racing Carnival on Saturday at 4.20pm and the first bounce at 4.45pm, Hufer is hoping for a big crowd, with free buses from the races to the footy also available.
“Because it’s a standalone game, were hoping to get a decent crowd with a few other events planned around the day as well,” Hufer said.
“We have a DJ playing from 4.30pm onwards to provide some entertainment, because we know that a lot of visitors will come and we also have an inflatable horse race at half-time, which will be a 50 meter sprint.
“Anyone from any club can enter and the prize is $500 to your club and $500 to the individual, but only person per club can enter the race.
“We’re hoping to get lots of people from other clubs not playing will come for a look.
“We’re the arch rivals and we don’t call it the rivalry game for no reason, it will be close, it will be tough and it’ll be country footy at its best.”
