Brad Hibberson relishing his return to Chiltern

Hibberson played in the Swans' most recent grand final appearance in 2006 against Mitta United as a 15-year-old before following coach Brendan Way to the Wodonga Raiders the following season.

The tough midfielder has had an instant impact since returning.

He would be among the leading contenders for the Barton medal after several strong performances.

Hibberson is thriving being back in the red and white after spending most of the past three years on the sidelines.

"I basically haven't played much footy for three years," Hibberson said.

"I joined Albury in 2017 and broke my wrist which basically took me two years to get over.

"Then COVID hit last year.

"The timing wasn't too bad because I have got a couple of kids and I got to spend a lot more time with them not playing football.

"But I did miss not playing in the end and am really enjoying being back at the old club where it all began."

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There are still plenty of familiar faces at Chiltern.

Hibberson's younger brother Bodie has also joined the Swans this season.

He also spent time with Mark Doolan at Wodonga Raiders while coach Luke Brookes was captain of the Swans in 2006 but has since retired.

"My teammates are a great bunch of blokes and there is a good mix of experience with a few older players, then a lot of younger players and some talented kids running around as well," he said.

"So it's a good mix and everybody gets along.

"I think the last time I played with my brother was in 2016 when Mark Doolan was still coach of Chiltern so it's been a while."

After losing more than half-a-dozen players over the off-season most people expected the Swans to be on the slide.

But so far they have been able to defy their critics to sit third with flag fancy Kiewa-Sandy Creek the biggest scalp.

Hibberson said the Swans' versatility was one of their biggest assets.

"We like to rotate heavily through the midfield as well as up forward," he said.

Doolan who won five best and fairests with Wodonga Raiders as a midfielder, is set to play as a permanent forward this season.

He bobbed-up with five goals last week in the Swans' big win over Beechworth.

"I suppose 'Dools' is a bit like Ben Hollands for Tallangatta and they are both past their prime," HIbberson said.

"But they have both proven there is no substitute for class and a footy brain."

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