Ashton Brookes explains what it's like playing for dad Luke in the Chiltern seniors

Brookes' son, Ashton, was one of several youngsters promoted up the ranks ahead of this season and he's grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Ashton, 17, has been ever-present for Chiltern so far, kicking 10 goals in the process to help the Swans to the top of the Tallangatta league.

With Dad at the helm, perhaps it's no surprise that he looks at home already.

"It's not too bad for me but it'd be a bit harder for him at stages, I reckon, not being able to watch me, having to watch all the players," Ashton said.

"He puts the coach's face on, I suppose. We have this thing, he told me: "On Saturday, I'm not your Dad, I'm your coach!

"I'm just happy to be playing footy because I've had a lot of injuries throughout my career so far.

"I'm lucky to be getting a game every week and holding my spot, playing the small forward role, tackling and putting the pressure on. Goals coming is a bonus."

Ashton certainly isn't overplaying his injury history. He's broken ribs, arms, a foot and his collar bone - not to mention a fractured skull - and was hospitalised last month after being knocked unconscious early in Chiltern's gritty win over Rutherglen.

"Seven games in a row is the most he's ever played - and he got concussion that week in the first 10 minutes," Luke said.

"I've always thought that if he could string a few games together, he might be handy and he's finally starting to come good.

"It's exciting for me to have him there but as he says, I've got to just treat him as one of the other boys. It's enjoyable having him there but at the same time, I didn't get to enjoy his first game and his first goal (like other fathers). It's a double-edged sword at times."

But while game days mean business, there's still time for a spot of Brookes banter.

"The other week, against Wahgunyah, he took a bit of a hanger and kicked three goals," Luke said. "At the break, he was quick to say 'did you see that hanger, Dad?' so there are some special little moments.

"With selection and stuff like that, I've put a lot of it onto the other selectors to make sure they're being honest with me and make sure he's holding his spot.

"I try to stay out of it when it comes to his name and let the other boys take over so it's not going to play a role in that regard."

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Ashton, who's been around the club since he was born, is relishing life at the top as the Swans chase their first senior TDFL premiership.

"I had a big pre-season and I've been playing well, holding my spot," he said.

"We've got a good mix of older fellas and younger fellas. I've got a few mates playing, so that helps.

"We want to finish top-three and anything else is a bit of a bonus.

"Hopefully we can take it all the way."

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