A RESURGENT Chiltern has landed a major coup and lured Wodonga Raiders champion Mark Doolan out of retirement.
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In a major boost to the Swans' flag credentials, Doolan is expected to play his first match against Mitta United next weekend.
The five-time Wodonga Raiders best and fairest winner has been doing the running duties for the Ovens and Murray club most weekends.
He trained with the Swans last week.
The 34-year-old was an interested onlooker as the Swans narrowly went down to premiership contender Barnawartha on the weekend.
Swans co-coach Ricky Whitehead said Doolan would provide a powerful injection of class and experience into the midfield as well as attack when resting forward.
"It's a massive boost and well worth the gamble," Whitehead said.
"He's only trained the once and we haven't pressured him into making a comeback.
"We just sort of threw the idea out there and Mark was keen to play and enjoyed his time at Chiltern when he was there previously.
"Mark said his body is feeling good after having a spell and he has missed not playing.
"If he can get back to anywhere near his best he could be a real X-factor for us during the finals series."
IN OTHER NEWS
Doolan called it quits on his glittering O&M career in February after struggling to overcome a series of niggling leg injuries.
The classy midfielder played 218-matches with Raiders alongside 49 at Chiltern where he coached from 2014-15.
The Swans have emerged as the most improved side in the competition to sit third with a 6-3 record.
Their biggest scalp so far was against defending premier Kiewa-Sandy Creek a fortnight ago.
The Swans led raging flag favourite Thurgoona at the last change before going down by 32-points.
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