Sport
24 April, 2025
Important win for all at the Swans
WHILE Caramut’s drought breaking round one win was a triumph for coach Scott Judd and his players, it was also a win for the dedicated Caramut committee.
The Swans senior football team hadn’t tasted victory since May 28, 2022.
But the 1050-day drought was broken when they took on, and defeated, Moyston Willaura in round one of the Mininera competition before Easter.
Post-match, Judd said it was a win for the community and everyone who puts so much time into the club.
This sentiment was supported by Caramut president Phil Edwards.
“It was a really good result, even though it’s been tough we’ve stuck together and done a lot of hard work over the past few years,” Edwards said.
“The support of the Caramut community has been incredible.
“We get at least a full table of community members with no tie to the Swans to dinner at the club every Thursday, it’s fantastic.
“They (the Caramut community) is fully on board.”
In the aftermath of the win over Moyston Willaura, Judd wanted to deflect any personal accolades, but Edwards was happy to praise the second year Caramut coach.
“He was what we needed,” Edwards said.
“A fresh face, new ideas and his off-field work has been instrumental in improving where we are at.”
Caramut vice-president Todd O’Sullivan was equally affirmative of what Judd has brought to the club.
“Getting Scott last year was a huge plus – he brings a winning mentality,” he said.
“In Scott’s first year last season, while we got beaten the margin of defeat was not as much.”
Reflecting on the past few years, Edwards said there was plenty of positives.
“The club has been successful in still fielding teams week after week despite the results, something we’ve been proud of.”
O’Sullivan added “no-one wants to come when you are getting well beaten every week.”
“Recruiting is hard – we have other clubs in the same league located between us and every major town,” he said.
“Becoming more competitive last season was a big step forward in being able to talk to players about joining.
“Our netballers have been really good the past few years, our junior footballers have made two of the last four grand finals so other parts of the club have been going well.”
Edwards grew up in Caramut, has played over 200 games for the Swans and still proudly lives in his hometown.
“I played a little bit of footy elsewhere, but it’s hard to stay away from Caramut,” the president explained.
For O’Sullivan, becoming a part of the Caramut community came later. Buying a farm on the edge of Caramut and turning up at the club at the age of 36, he had retired after a long football career that took him to many places.
O’Sullivan ended up coaching Caramut as well as putting the boots on, and now sits in 10th place of Caramut’s all-time senior games played list with 202.
“It was pretty easy to get involved, it’s such a welcoming club,” a modest O’Sullivan said of his contribution.
O’Sullivan preferred to talk about the young players coming through.
“Several of the young guys in the seniors have come through our junior ranks, with a few returning this year from playing under 18’s elsewhere last year, it’s so pleasing to have that local talent.”
Edwards is particularly pleased with the buy in of players who’ve arrived at Caramut in the past few years.
“The second and third year players have been brilliant, they’ve bought into everything we do, embraced the club, some have joined the committee, others just help out, it really is wonderful.”
O’Sullivan said the night was well celebrated by the Swans community.
“It was a massive home crowd on the day anyway, and a lot of joy that night. We had our traditional season opening yabby race function which is always a great night, the win just added to it.”
As to the future, Edwards is upbeat.
“Retaining players will be the key, and we are confident with the family atmosphere and culture at the club we can do that.
“Juniors are going really well, our netball is strong.
“If we keep working hard the future is bright.”
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