David Swallow is a name synonymous with resilience, loyalty, and the Gold Coast Suns. As an inaugural player who stuck with the club through its toughest years, his retirement announcement in late marked the end of an era—though rumors of a shock trade to the West Coast Eagles have kept fans buzzing.
In this article, you will know David Swallow’s Net Worth, his career earnings, contract details, professional stats, and an inside look at his life with his wife, Georgia, and their children.
David Swallow’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | David Francis Swallow |
| Date of Birth | 19 November 1992 |
| Age | 33 years old |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 186 cm (6 ft 1 in) |
| Weight | 87 kg (192 lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 (Drafted by Gold Coast Suns) |
| Position | Midfielder / Defender |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2.5 Million – $5 Million |
| Salary | Estimated $350,000 – $450,000 |
| Career Status | Retired (Gold Coast) / Exploring Options |
| Wife | Georgia Swallow |
| Children | Charlie and Lucy |
| @davidswallow (Private/Inactive) |
Early Career
David Swallow’s journey to the AFL was destined for greatness from the very beginning. Born in Perth, Western Australia, he grew up in a football-loving family alongside his older brother, Andrew Swallow, who would go on to captain North Melbourne.
David made a name for himself at East Fremantle in the WAFL, showcasing a blend of speed and toughness that caught the eye of every recruiter in the country.
His talent was so undeniable that the newly formed Gold Coast Suns secured him as a 17-year-old before he was even eligible for the main draft.
He spent the 2010 season playing for the Suns in the VFL, a unique arrangement that allowed him to develop his body and skills against men before entering the AFL competition.
This fast-tracked development led to him being selected with the undisputed number one pick in the 2010 AFL Draft, officially launching his career as the cornerstone of the Suns’ future.
Professional Career
David Swallow’s professional career is defined by his unwavering loyalty to the Gold Coast Suns. While many of his inaugural teammates left for other clubs, Swallow stayed, eventually becoming the club’s games record holder.
He won the Gold Coast Club Champion award (Best and Fairest) in 2014, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier midfielders before knee injuries sidelined him for nearly two full seasons and 2016.
He bounced back to become the club’s captain, leading the team from 2019 to 2021 during a critical rebuilding phase. In 2025, after 15 seasons, Swallow finally achieved a long-awaited milestone: his first AFL finals appearance.
He played in the Suns’ elimination final against Fremantle, breaking a long-standing record for the most games played without a final.
Following the 2025 season, he announced his retirement from the Suns, cementing his legacy as a one-club legend, although reports in October 2025 suggested he was considering a “backflip” to play for the West Coast Eagles in 2026.
Wife
David Swallow is a dedicated family man. He is married to his long-time partner, Georgia Swallow. The couple has two young children, a son named Charlie and a daughter named Lucy.
His family has been a constant presence at the club, often seen in the rooms after games and at official club events.
The 2025 season had an emotional finish for the Swallow household. Just days before David played his first-ever final, their beloved family dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Winston, sadly passed away.
David mentioned that the vets wrapped Winston in a bandage with Suns colors, a small but touching sign that he took with him into his historic final game.
David Swallow’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, David Swallow’s net worth is estimated to be between $2.5 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated over a 15-year career at the highest level of Australian Rules Football, where he was consistently one of his club’s highest-paid players during his prime.
Contract
David Swallow’s contract history reflects his loyalty. He signed a significant five-year extension in 2018 that secured his future until 2024. For the 2025 season, he signed a one-year deal to continue providing leadership and depth to the young Suns list.
By late 2025, his contract with Gold Coast concluded with his retirement announcement, though he remained a free agent capable of signing elsewhere if he chose to reverse his retirement decision.
Salary
In his prime years, particularly after winning the Best and Fairest and becoming captain, Swallow’s salary was estimated to be around $700,000 to $800,000 per season.
However, as is common for veterans in the twilight of their careers, his salary for the 2025 season was likely lower, estimated in the range of $350,000 to $450,000.
This adjustment allowed the Suns to manage their salary cap while keeping his valuable experience within the group.
Career Earnings
| Year Range | Estimated Annual Earnings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2011–2013 | $150,000 – $300,000 | Early draft pick contracts |
| 2014–2018 | $500,000 – $700,000 | Breakout years & first big extension |
| 2019–2023 | $700,000 – $800,000 | Captaincy & prime veteran contract |
| 2024–2025 | $400,000 – $500,000 | Veteran/Leadership contracts |
| Total | ~$7 Million – $8 Million | Estimated Gross Career Earnings |
Career Stats
| Statistic | Career Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 248 |
| Goals Scored | 108 |
| Average Disposals | 22.5 |
| Brownlow Votes | 50+ |
| Best & Fairest | Winner (2014) |
| Finals Played | 1 (2025) |
FAQs
1. Did David Swallow retire?
Yes, David Swallow announced his retirement from the Gold Coast Suns in August 2025. However, reports in October suggested he might reverse this decision to play for West Coast.
2. Who is David Swallow’s wife?
He is married to Georgia Swallow. They have been together for many years and share two children, creating a strong family unit that supports his football career.
3. What draft pick was David Swallow?
David was selected with the number one overall pick in the 2010 AFL National Draft. He was the Gold Coast Suns’ very first selection in an AFL draft.
4. Does David Swallow have a brother in the AFL?
Yes, his older brother is Andrew Swallow. Andrew was a star midfielder and the captain of the North Melbourne Kangaroos, playing over 200 games before retiring.
5. What is David Swallow’s 2025 net worth?
His net worth is estimated between $2.5 million and $5 million. This includes his accumulated salary from 15 seasons in the AFL and various property investments.
