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West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Dockers legends hit the water to drop the kilograms in Port to Pub

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
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Former Fremantle Docker Matthew Burton and former West Coast Eagle Ashley McIntosh prepare to lead their teams in the Channel 7 Port to Pub.
Camera IconFormer Fremantle Docker Matthew Burton and former West Coast Eagle Ashley McIntosh prepare to lead their teams in the Channel 7 Port to Pub. Credit: Trevor Collens/The West Australian

Legends of West Coast and Fremantle are swapping the footy boots for swimming caps all in the name of dropping a few kilos in Saturday’s Channel 7 Port to Pub.

Former Dockers ruckman Matthew Burton will lead the “Old Salts” of Jason Norrish, Lee Spurr, Shaun McManus, Peter Mann and Garrick Ibbotson against Ashley McIntosh’s “OWLS” featuring John Worsfold, Peter Wilson, Phil Matera, Trent Carroll and Nick Stone in the 19.7km swim dubbed the “Derby on the Water”.

But don’t expect any hip and shoulders as the 12 former footballers swim from Leighton to Rottnest in the annual challenge, with both captains saying it was more about fitness and fun than old derby rivalries.

“I think that we’re more motivated on dropping a few kilos and catching up with teammates, than beating Fremantle,” McIntosh said.

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“There’s a little banter between us and Fremantle but we keep pretty quiet because we know that they’ve got us covered.

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“We’ve only had 3 swimmers regularly training with two swimmers living down south, and one with early work commitments, but it’s been great fun.

“The Port to Pub is a great social event and we’re all looking forward to catching up and telling a few old stories and having a few laughs.”

Burton said the three to four trainings a week had their benefits both in and out of the water.

“What I like about it is we’ve got a bunch of middle aged blokes who could’ve easily said no to exercise, so it’s a win-win,” he said.

Former Docker Matthew "Spider' Burton and former Eagle Ashley McIntosh pictured at Cottesloe Beach. They will each lead teams in the Port to Pub swim this weekend. photo by Trevor Collens
Camera IconFormer Docker Matthew "Spider' Burton and former Eagle Ashley McIntosh pictured at Cottesloe Beach. They will each lead teams in the Port to Pub swim this weekend. photo by Trevor Collens Credit: The West Australian

“It’s really healthy, meeting three to four mornings a week. Its a good way to start the day.”

The Port to Pub is expected to attract up to 1500 swimmers —both novice and competitive — in the form of solo swimmers, duos as well as teams of four and six.

Corporate teams of two, four and six can also register to be part of the annual K&L Gates Corporate Cup.

The event will also support Telethon and there is a 400m kids swim to be held for the first time.

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