The dream of pursuing a successful AFL career on the Gold Coast far outweighed the hardships that came with leaving family and friends behind in Western Australia, according to David Swallow.

As a 17-year-old schoolboy out of Perth, Swallow was hyped as the hottest midfield talent in the country, with many draft analysts anointing him a future AFL star.

What made his introduction to the game all the more special were his family ties to brother Andrew, who had established himself as North Melbourne’s reigning club champion at the time.

But with no family, friends or long-distance relatives in the sunshine state, Swallow admits it wasn’t easy adjusting to life in the tourist capital.

Thankfully, the bond of new friendships around the locker room and the support of the club’s welfare department quickly diminished any signs of homesickness.

“Yeah, it was pretty hard moving away at such a young age,” he told SUNS TV.

“But thankfully I have a pretty good host family who I lived with during my early stay, and then lived with Brandon Matera and Trent McKenzie for two years which also helped me settle in to life on the Gold Coast.”

Four years later, and the No. 1 pick of the 2010 Draft says he couldn’t be happier.

His elevation to the player leadership group as a vice-captain demonstrates the status he holds within the club’s inner sanctum, and he’s enjoying life more than ever outside football including his new home in Miami with girlfriend, Georgia.

“I’ve finally got away from the boys,” Swallow smirked.

“It’s different getting used to it all, but my girlfriend looks after me pretty well so I’m quite happy.”

For Swallow, the decision to remain in the red and gold colours was made easier having watched the likes of Dion Prestia, Jaeger O’Meara, Charlie Dixon and Sam Day put pen to paper over the past twelve months.

“It’s good to see most of the boys signing on, and just like them I was encouraged to sign on.

“Everyone wants to stick around and hopefully be part of some success.”