Michael O’Loughlin will be remembered forever as one of the most agile and skilled forwards in the game – and a premiership hero for the mighty red and white.
Nicknamed “Magic” by teammates and adoring fans, O’Loughlin kicked 512 goals over 303 games of AFL Football with one of those arriving at a crucial time in the 2005 Grand Final.
O’Loughlin rates the drought-breaking premiership the best of an amazing list of feats which includes two Hall of Fame gongs (AFL and Club), a Bob Skilton Medal and a spot in the Indigenous Team of the Century.
“I’m obviously very, very proud to be inducted into the Indigenous Team of the Century,” O’Loughlin said.
“As a boy I looked up to some of those players in that team, so it’s pretty special and was probably the highlight of my career to date and then later in the season playing in the 05 Grand Final, well, that’s what you play football for.
“To be able to share that with my teammates, everybody within the Swans organisation and, in particularly, our fans was an amazing feeling. That was the thing for me. After all the ups and downs and tough times we’ve had as a club, presenting the premiership cup back to the fans was very satisfying.”
O’Loughlin didn’t have to wait long before being thrown into the thick of the action, enjoying (then lamenting) the first set-shot of the game while dealing with some ‘push and shove’ from opponent Adam Hunter which began before the opening bounce.
Despite a relatively quiet day in front of the big sticks O’Loughlin’s presence and bullocking work alongside fellow key Barry Hall was vital to the Swans’ success.
His battle with Hunter and then Daniel Chick throughout the course of the match was legendary and reflected the fierce rivalry that had developed between the two sides during that period of dominance.
“We didn’t like each other,” O’Loughlin added. “It wasn’t just Adam Hunter, you switched and chopped with other players…they were just great battles.”
O’Loughlin will join teammates at the SCG on Friday to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of the 2005 Premiership. Help the boys celebrate such a momentous occasion during the Swans Round 13 clash with Richmond.
