Belushi’s Presents: Player Spotlight – Ashley Swift
Belushi’s Presents: Player Spotlight
Ashley Swift
Each week, AFL Europe in combination with Belushi’s will take a look at one of our star players competing in fixtures across the continent in Player Spotlight.
As one of the more decorated players in his competition, Ashley Swift is a man who just loves Australian Football.
Recently named in the AFLCNE 2018 Team of the Year, Ashley’s love of the game started from the moment he got a taste of the Sherrin.
“I didn’t really know at first what was going on, but I just knew I loved it.”
“The bumping, the kicking, the physical side and just being around a team and the winning feeling you get, you just don’t get that from many sports at all.”
As a Nottingham Scorpion, Ashley is a big fan of his club that has terrific sides in both a men’s and women’s capacity.
His Scorpions recently lost a tight AFLCNE Grand Final to league juggernauts, the Manchester Mosquitoes.
Nevertheless, Ashley is still so proud of the culture that has been created at his club.
“We’ve got a great team going here, we’ve got a men’s and women’s side.”
“It’s just such a great atmosphere at training and at games, win or lose it doesn’t really matter. It’s just great fun to be a part of the team.”
Throughout his time playing for Nottingham, Ashley has tried out many positions in the unique 9-a-side competition.
It’s a format that encourages plenty of scoring and plenty of running as the AFLCNE Grand Final would suggest.
With so many games in a season and so much travel on offer, Ashley believes that now is the best time to join this exciting competition.
“Come down and give it a go because it’s such a great sport.”
“It’s a sport for small players, tall players and for bigger players.”
“We’ve got a position for everyone and it’s such a good thing to have in your life!
Aside from his time at Nottingham, Ashley has been a regular for the England Dragonslayers.
A victory at the Euro Cup in Bordeaux last year must rank as one of his greatest achievements in the game.
Going through the tournament undefeated, Ashley will again look to do the same in Cork later in September.
Although no matter the result of this year’s competition, there is no doubt that Ashley Swift has been and continues to be a great contributor for the sport across the European continent.
Is there someone at your club with an outstanding football story that deserves to be recognised? Get in touch, riley.brettell@afleurope.org
