The swingman, formerly of Bright, is close to returning to the VFL team after battling ongoing leg injuries that saw him sidelined for much of 2014 — but Swan, pictured, said it was the senior team that was most looking forward to his return.

“He was an All-Australian defender, he’s able to swing back and forth (from forward to defender) when needed,” he said. “We need him ... we certainly miss him out there.”

The Collingwood champion made the comments at Birallee Park last night, where he was guest speaker at the Wodonga Raiders’ annual sportsman’s night.

He addressed the crowd of about 100 before fielding questions — but beforehand, the conversation was all about the Border’s two Collingwood players, Reid and Jack Crisp.

Swan said Reid was expected to play in the VFL next weekend, but the club’s trainers would not clear him until they were “100 per cent happy” with where he was at.

“He’ll have to play a few games there first to prove his body’s good to go, then hopefully we’ll see him back,” Swan said.

Crisp — still stuck with the “proverbial steak knives” tag after being thrown in to the Dayne Beams trade with the Brisbane Lions — has actually proven to be a boon for the Magpies so far this year, averaging nearly 20 possessions and one goal a game.

“None of us knew a lot about him,” Swan said of the Myrtleford product, “but ever since he’s come on board he’s worked really hard, so it should be no surprise that’s translated to his form on the ground.

“He’s been great for us.”

Swan was non-committal on the Ovens and Murray’s hot topic — equalisation — saying opinions depended “on who you barrack for”.

“You’ve got to put some fairly big thought into it when you start talking about things like that, I don’t know if a points system is the way to go ... but it works for the Premier League,” he said.

“It’s a tough one. It seems if something’s going well, why change it. But if the same two teams are in the grand final for the next 10 years, well it might be something to look at.”

Swan said he was keen to follow the O and M more closely, adding the involvement of former AFL players like Brendan Fevola had helped put the league on the map for Melbourne-based players.

“From what I’ve heard the standard up here is really good generally,” he said.

“I’m not sure about moving here but I might come play a game or two up here myself down the track.”