Trent Dennis-Lane

Trent Dennis-Lane is a former Sydney small forward who was traded to the Saints at the end of the 2012 season. Dennis-Lane had developed a cult following at Sydney, having kicked 30 goals in just 19 games. However, injury, form and a strong premiership side prevented Dennis-Lane from making an impact in 2012, and he moved to the Saints for greater opportunity.

Early Career
Dennis-Lane came quite late to AFL. Having been drafted at 21 years of age, Dennis-Lane began his sporting career as a basketballer.[1]  Despite this, he still nominated for the AFL draft in 2006. On missing out for several years, he explained: "I don't use the word disheartening to describe it. Sure, your heart sinks a little bit each year you're not drafted but I used it as motivation. Every year I'd want to prove them wrong and show them, 'This is what you're missing out on'. I never stopped believing and well, here I am."[2]

Draft and Sydney Swans 2010-2012
Dennis-Lane began to impress recruiters, when he kicked 66 goals with WAFL side Subiaco, and was invited to train with Fremantle, although he was not selected; "They told me the Tuesday before the draft that they weren't going to select me and that was a big blow," he said. "Being 21, you don't get too many chances. You don't get invited to draft camps, under-18 championships or to speak with recruiters. I thought the Eagles might look at me with one of their last picks but instead they chose [Gerrick] Weedon. Once they called out his name, I thought my chances were done and dusted."[3]. However, he did not have to wait much longer as he was selected by the Sydney Swans with pick #55 in the 2009 AFL Draft. "When I saw my name, it was like an experience that I've never felt before. It's one of the best moments of my life," he said. "My whole family was around and their reaction, the looks on their faces - I'm getting chills just thinking about it." [4]

Dennis-Lane made his debut in Round 14 2010, against the Tigers, where he collected 8 disposals and a goal. He retained his spot the following week against the Kangaroos, but missed the following 3 weeks. He was recalled for round 19, where he played every remaining game for the year, including two finals. In the Swans' cutthroat elimination final against Carlton, Dennis-Lane had a blinder, kicking 4 goals.

Injury and form robbed Dennis-Lane, who had developed a cult following from his finals performances, of a follow-up 2011 season. He finally got his body right and joined the team in rounds 11 and 12, but had only a minimal impact. He did not play again until round 20, where he managed just 9 disposals and a goal.

Dennis-Lane began to revive his career after a shock 2011, with a decent run of 6 games from rounds 7-11 of 2012, which included a 3-goal haul against the Bulldogs in round 10. Dennis-Lane then missed a considerable part of the season, finally getting a recall in round 18 against the Gold Coast where he had 11 disposals and 2 goals. He played the next two games as well, but was edged out of the side as the Swans went on strongly to claim the 2012 flag.

At the end of the 2012 season, Dennis-Lane was traded to the Saints for pick 47.[5]

Personal Life
Dennis-Lane was born to a Burmese father, who arrived in Australia when he was 13 and was rejoined by most of his family afterwards.[6]