Mitchell Swain is one of the region's most successful athletes, a multi-premiership winner across three sports, but he is also one of the most brutally honest self-appraisers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Perhaps no one was more surprised than Swain by his debut selection in the Northern Inland Bolters squad, for their Plan B Big Bash opener against the Central Coast Rush at Scone on Sunday.
Read also:
While he said his selection was a "massive opportunity" for him, he added: "I guess my place in the side probably isn't really warranted that much.
"To be truthful, it's probably disappointing that I'm selected. Because I think there's certainly a lot better players out there; there's a lot more deserving players.
"But they don't want to stick their hands up and play ... It's probably disappointing for cricket around the region that I'm actually playing, because I certainly haven't warranted my spot, that's for sure."
Still, Swain said he would "give it his best" and was "very proud" to be named in the Bolters squad.
"I always love playing against strong opposition, and I'll be doing what I can to get the win."
In 168 matches, according to MyCricket, Swain has scored 2047 runs at 16.12 - with a highest of 93 - and taken 89 wickets at 21.07 - with a best of 4-21.
Last month Swain won a second AFL North West premiership with the Bulldogs, after playing in the Manilla Tigers' premiership-winning, reserve-grade side in 2019.
In the 2019-20 cricket season, his Old Boys won back-to-back premierships and a sixth title in seven seasons. They also claimed the one-day and the Twenty20 titles.
In a Leader article in August, Swain was jokingly referred to as the "rabbits foot of New England sport: where he goes premierships flow".
His Old Boys skipper Ben Middlebrook, the Northern Inland Cricket Council president, said Swain would bring a "winning attitude" to the Bolters: he "never gives up".
"So, he's a great inclusion in any team," Middlebrook said, adding that Swain "can clear the fence", was "great in the field" and "can bowl an over or two of bouncers if required".
Bulldogs coach Doug Meagher admires Swain's "competitive nature" and his "ability to run all day".
He said Swain was a "brilliant teammate": a "very valuable, extremely well-liked and respected part of our team and club".