Two Goulburn Valley products are looking to lead West Australian Football League side Swan Districts to September glory.
During the off-season Nik Rokahr (Shepparton) and Jye Chalcraft (Shepparton United) made the move west to ply their trade in the WAFL.
Rokahr — two-time Norwood best-and-fairest winner in the SANFL — has dominated his first season for the Swans.
The star midfielder leads the WAFL for most disposals with 572.
Rokahr also leads the competition for average disposals a game with 30.1 and is closely followed by another Shepparton export Will Brodie who has averaged 28.8 touches across 17 matches for Peel Thunder.
Not to be outdone by his Goulburn Valley counterpart, Chalcraft — two-time best-and-fairest winner for Geelong’s VFL side — has also impressed during his first season at Steel Blue Oval.
Chalcraft ranks third for total possessions (526) and seventh for average touches a game (27.9).
The dynamic duo has formed a lethal force in the centre of the ground for the Swans in 2024.
After defeating Fremantle Dockers affiliated side Peel Thunder last weekend by 17 points, the Swans will play minor premier East Perth on Saturday for a spot in the grand final.
Chalcraft said that last weekend’s victory over Peel was memorable.
“We were up against 12-13 AFL-listed boys and that was probably the best game I have been a part of with the atmosphere as well,” Chalcraft said.
“Everyone’s doing their roles and doing their part for the team.
“When we had that winning streak where we won eight or nine in a row, it felt like everyone knew what they had to do.”
The Swans’ hot run of form during the middle of the year helped them finish in third place at the end of the home and away season.
Nearly one year into his time in the WAFL, Chalcraft said he had picked up on some of the league’s unique characteristics.
“The size of the grounds are huge over here,” he said.
“It can be harder at times because you can be out of the play for a minute or two if the ball gets kicked to the other side of the wing.
“It took a while to adjust, compared to what a VFL ground is, where it is a small ground and you are just chasing the footy, you don’t really think about the other side of it.
“There aren’t as many stoppages as well, little stuff like that — it’s all free-flowing footy.”
One win away from a shot at a flag, Chalcraft said he had loved his time at the Swans both on and off the field.
“The first week, when I came in, all the boys got around me and it felt like I had already been at the club for a couple of years,” he said.
“It just had a good feeling about it, really warm and welcoming.
“I have gelled with all the boys and that has stemmed into my footy this year.
“I’m locked in for one more year.
“I could stay for a couple more years; I’ll just have to weigh that up at the end of next year.”