A new arrival to the club this season, Josh Swadling has made a strong start in green and white, earning himself a regular spot in the Men’s First Grade starting side.
Who have been the been the biggest influences in your football career?
Well there have been a few over the years that have helped me, but I would say number one would be my dad. He has helped me with a lot and helps me improve week in week out, he is very honest with how I have played in matches – he will let me know when I have had a bad or good game.
Then the three big guns from last year – Matt Crowell, Stu Davis and Dean Heffernan. These guys helped me a lot and made me believe in myself and even though I’m not at the club anymore they still check on me to see how I’m going. And lastly Andrew Ollier, I wouldn’t be here this year if it wasn’t for him so I appreciate him for that.
Which clubs have you previously played for?
I played my juniors at The Entrance before going to Central Coast Mariners Academy Under 20’s. I then went back to The Entrance for three years before joining Central Coast United last year.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Northern Tigers?
The culture of the club, the boys made me feel really welcome straight from the start and that’s made my time here a lot easier. I also love that everyone has each other’s back and are willing to go right to the end.
What position do you play? Have you always played there?
I play left mid or left wing. I haven’t always played there, it wasn’t until I played at a higher level that the coaches moved me out wide, when I played for the Entrance I would play striker but I much prefer the wing.
Do you have a favourite club/player? Who/why?
My favourite club is Liverpool – since I started watching the Premier League I loved watching Steven Gerrard and how much passion and fight he had, that’s the way I try to play. My favourite player is Antoine Griezmann.
What is your best football memory?
My best football memory would have to be going back to back champions with the Entrance first grade a couple of years ago and last years grand final win with central coast United even though I didn’t get to play because of a knee injury it was still good to be a part of the day.