RETIRED Collingwood great Dane Swan admits he was caught off guard by the Magpies going after North Melbourne veteran Daniel Wells.
The Magpies are thrashing out the details of a three-year contract for unrestricted free agent Wells, who turns 32 before the start of next season.
Wells is one of a number of experienced players, including Fremantle's Chris Mayne, who appear to be heading to Collingwood.
Swan told NAB AFL Trade Radio he believed it was a strange decision given the club's insistence on moving out senior players in recent years.
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"I was surprised like everyone else, I thought we were going to go down the youth path," Swan said.
"He has great speed and skill and that's something we're lacking.
"The question you have to ask is, 'Is Wells in our next premiership side?'
"I certainly hope he is, because that means we're going to win one in the next couple of years.
"If he wants to come to the Pies and the price is right, then I don't know how you can argue that.
"They might need some of these older guys to fast-track the younger guys."
All's well with Wells, says Collingwood
Collingwood list manager Derek Hine said Wells would add much-needed experience to the Magpies' list.
"Our oldest player will be 28 once (Travis Cloke) leaves, along with all the retirements," Hine said.
"We're really conscious of how that profile looks and I think we've got 26-27 players under 25.
"Daniel … finished fourth in (North's) best and fairest and has clearly been a really high performer for a long period of time.
"We're really excited about potentially bringing him in to the organisation."
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Swan has revealed in his upcoming book he used illicit substances, but he said he hasn't been contacted by the AFL.
"No I haven't ... I don't know if I'll speak to them, the AFL's got nothing to do with me anymore," Swan said.
"I never stated when I was doing it, I could have been on my holidays out of season when you don't test for them.
"If they want to ring me and ask me, I'll probably take the call.
"I did experiment, I did try recreational drugs.
"I don't condone it, I don't glorify it, it's not something that's cool, it's just something I did.
"I don't make any apologies for it because I am who I am and it is what it is."
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Swan also said Cloke can re-energise his career at the Bulldogs, just like Heath Shaw did when he moved to Greater Western Sydney.
"I think sometimes it's time to go, sometimes you need a fresh start," Swan said.
"It's been amazing for Heath and he's turned his career around.
"I think if he does go to the Bulldogs, it will be great for Trav.
"He was worn down at the Pies, will get a fresh start at a premiership team and he will fit in really well."
