"Seek out your local footy club": Blakely On His Journey From Swan Districts To The Dingos

Swan Districts are one of the best-known names in Western Australian football. They have played out of Bassendean Oval (Steel Blue Oval) since 1934 and have won eight WAFL League premierships, including the famous hat-tricks of 1961–63 and 1982–84.

Blakely played 127 WAFL games for them and spent most of his time in the ruck. He spent the season with the Dingos passing on what he learned at the Swans: fundamentals, drills, and defensive structure. Our young Canadians picked up more in a few months than most players learn in years.

"If you're an Aussie living overseas, seek out your local footy club and get involved. Being part of that community is massive."— Nathan "Doc" Blakely

Thank you to Swan Districts for sharing Doc's story with your members.

We'll be cheering you on in 2027!

Read the full feature on the Swan Districts website