TAYLOR Duryea has had a dream since primary school and today it becomes reality when he runs out for Hawthorn in the grand final.
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The former Corowa High School student is one of four Border men involved for either Hawthorn or Sydney in the big match.
Of course, the Swans’ coach is John Longmire, the son of Corowa mayor, Fred.
Out on the field Sam Reid from Bright will prowl the Swans forward line while Dederang-Mount Beauty’s Ben McEvoy will do the heavy lifting in the ruck for the Hawks.
And Duryea’s mother, Bernie Rogers, and his siblings, will urge him on as he patrols the Hawks’ backline.
Bernie said she had put her usual nerves aside and embraced the fact her son was living his dream.
“I want him to win, but it’s a great experience, regardless,” she said.
She thought she had felt every emotion since Taylor, 23, made his debut last year, but she said a grand final had opened a whole new can of worms.
“He has worked so hard and the dream has been realised,” she said.
“It’s an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction, I guess, and nice to have the family together.
“At draft time, people told him to seek out the lower clubs so he would get games, but he was determined to play for a strong team, even if it meant he had to wait,” she said.
The stresses will be a bit different for Fred Longmire as he urges the Swans on to more success under John’s coaching.
Fred said there was the great pressure of expectation on John to land his second premiership in his four years as coach.
But for all his nerves, he was satisfied the Swans were prepared to the day for their tilt at glory.
“This is the third game with an unchanged team and they have had luck with no injuries,” he said.
“Their preparation is where they wanted it to be.
“The premiership John has already enjoyed as coach is something that makes you very proud.
“I’ll be sitting there like the rest of the Swans supporters barracking and hoping they come out on top.
“I love the song — last year I taught the taxi driver how to sing it but that’s another story.
“You never know, I might do it again.”
GENERAL
SPORT
