Swindells joins the TDFL premiers from Kilmore, who play in the Northern Football Netball League.

The versatile Swindells has racked up more than 200 games of senior football during spells in the Essendon District League, Riddell District League and then during four years with the Blues.

"He's a big body and he's got a lot of experience," new Chiltern coach Brad Hibberson said.

"That always helps when we've got a lot of young blokes in the twos and in the seniors who haven't played heaps of football.

"Matt will come with experience and teach them, we hope, and play some good footy at the same time.

"He's played at some higher levels down in Melbourne and he's played in the Ovens and King with Bonnie Doon.

"It was a family connection that got us on to him; he dates the sister of my brother's partner so he's a future brother-in-law to my brother.

"They're the ones you're not really chasing but they come to your attention and you land them.

"Hopefully now we can build some momentum.

"We don't need heaps of players, it's just about replacing what we've lost.

"We've retained 95 percent of our list so we're sitting in a pretty good position."

Filling the boots of brothers Tom and Nick Bracher, who have signed with Wodonga Raiders, is high on Hibberson's to-do list as he negotiates his first 'silly season' since succeeding former Swans mentor Luke Brookes.

"It is pretty busy," Hibberson said. "It's my first year in the job and I know why people don't enjoy this part of coaching - but I've actually quite enjoyed it.

"You get to talk to new blokes, talk footy and learn a fair bit.

"It might take its toll if I coach for a long time but when you're only chasing certain players or you only have certain positions to fill, that certainly helps.

"We've got others in the pipeline - we'd love another midfielder to replace Tom Bracher.

"Losing Tom and Nick Bracher, we've got to replace them but there's plenty of kids coming through.

"There's a good group in the twos, who won the flag, and 15 of that side played senior footy last year.

"I look forward to trying to bring some young blokes through that can fill some positions."

Chiltern claimed their maiden Tallangatta & District League premiership this year, beating Kiewa-Sandy Creek by 16 points in a low-scoring grand final.

The Swans players will report back for the start of pre-season training on Monday November 14 with the session starting at 6pm.

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