IT didn't take long for Tom Doolan to make his mark as a footballer.
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Raised at Burrumbuttock, Doolan made his senior debut for the Swans in 1969 as a 16-year-old.
The talented teenager enjoyed an outstanding debut season and was instrumental in the Swans winning their most recent flag before merging with Brocklesby in 2006.
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Holding down centre half-forward, Doolan joined Albury the following season and would go on to be a premiership coach with the Tigers.
After finishing third during the home and away season, the Swans were forced to do it the tough way to make the decider with the finals series comprising a top-four.
Coached by Bill Barton, Burrumbuttock accounted for Walbundrie in the first semi-final before defeating Walla in the preliminary final.
Burrumbuttock faced Howlong in the decider.
The Spiders were favourites to win after suffering their only loss of the season against the Swans in round 12.
The flag was up for grabs at the last change with the Swans clinging to a 14-point lead.
They didn't let it slip with Barton, Doolan, Ken Lindner and Ken Bruce among the best in the Swans 27-point victory.
"Bill was a legendary coach in the Hume league," Doolan said.
"He certainly led from the front that day and was best-on-ground."
The Swans will hold a 50-year reunion next weekend when Brock-Burrum play Howlong.
"I think there is 15 of us still alive and I think everyone will be in attendance," Doolan said.