Young midfielder Dylan Stephens this week spoke with former No. 1 ticketholder and member of the Canberra Swans supporter group Pat McLindin in the lead up to Member Thank You Round.
Pat McLindin: Dylan, thanks so much for agreeing to talk to me today. Swans-ACT, the Swans supporter group in Canberra, sponsors your locker and we are very happy to have you as our player. Now that you know this, we warn you that anyone from Canberra who comes to a Swans function will head for you.
Dylan Stephens (laughing): That is ok.
PM: Who did you barrack for prior to the draft?
DS: Carlton. The whole family barracked for the Blues but now they all go for the Swans.
PM: Have you ever won a premiership and who with?
DS: Yes. I won one in Under 14's for my local club, Walkerville in South Australia. I only played for them for one year and we won the premiership.
PM: Do you have any siblings?
DS: Yes, I have an older sister who lives in Newcastle but she isn't working because of coronavirus so she has moved in with Mum and Dad.
PM: Did any other clubs indicate they would like to take you in the draft?
DS: There were a few clubs but Carlton, Adelaide and Fremantle all showed some interest.
PM: Were you surprised you were taken so early in the draft or what that what you were expecting?
DS: I was expecting to go somewhere between six and ten. I knew nothing about the Swans interest in me until I went to Melbourne. But when I found out about it I was very happy to go to the Swans at pick five.
PM: What number were you hoping to get at the Swans and are you happy to be wearing the famous No. 3?
DS: I am stoked. To be given Macca's (Jarrad McVeigh) number, I couldn't get a better number as he is the one who I have looked up to and learnt so much from during my short time at the Club.
PM: What was your impression of the Club after you'd had your induction meeting?
DS: The Bloods induction was a very inspiration time for me. We learn about the club's history and what it meant to be a Blood. It was very eye opening for most of the younger boys who had just joined the Club.
PM: How do you see it now that you've had some time with everyone in the hub?
DS: The hub has been huge for us because it has brought the young group together, probably quicker than usual. We eat every meal together and spend most of our days together so it has probably been a bit of a blessing in disguise for us as a younger group.
PM: What is your best trait?
DS: As a person, not as a footballer - being approachable. I like talking to anyone who comes up to me, young ones or older people.
PM: What is your worst habit?
DS: I get changed really late for a game - it's a superstition I have.
PM: Who do you live with?
DS: At the moment I live with Tom McCartin and Harry Reynolds. Harry is injured at the moment with a shoulder problem. The three of us are very close and cook together most nights when we are at home.
PM: Who is your best mate at the Club?
DS: All the first to third year players, but in particular I am close to Chad Warner and Will Gould. We do everything together, even outside of football.
PM: Do you have a best mate at another AFL club?
DS: Kysiah Pickett at Melbourne.
PM: Have you got a nickname yet?
DS (laughing): Mainly Dyl.
PM: Although you're only in your first year of senior footy, do you have any career ambitions for life after footy?
DS: I have been out of school for two years now but last year I did one year of a commerce degree and that is what I am keen to pick up again at some stage.
PM: Who do you want to mould your game on?
DS: I always watch how Josh Kelly from GWS player and Oliver Florent at our club as well. I work pretty closely with Ollie.
PM: Who do you look up to most at the Swans?
DS: Ollie, and Joey and Parkes who are great players as well as their leadership. I learn as much as possible from them.
PM: Do you find being in elite AFL competition it's harder than expected?
DS: The whole thing is harder because of COVID at the moment. But regarding games, I knew it was going to be tough with the speed of the game. It takes time to adjust.
PM: It was lovely talking to you - Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our questions.We hope to see you some time.
DS: A pleasure, thanks for all of your amazing support!
