That could soon be a reality for the Nelson Bay Marlins junior if the NSW/ACT AFL’s plan for a $1.4million redevelopment of No.1 Sportsground is adopted.

The council’s recreation advisory committee gave in-principle support last year for the plan, which includes increasing the size of the field to allow for NAB Cup pre-season games at No.1.

Bird was back in the Hunter on Tuesday and yesterday visiting primary and secondary schools as part of the Swans’ community camp program.

The 23-year-old knows first-hand the benefit of having elite AFL in Newcastle.

Premier Australian rules was last played at the Cooks Hill venue in 2006 when the Swans beat St Kilda 12.19 (91) to 11.8 (74) in a trial match.

Bird was among the crowd of 3202 that day.

‘‘They used to play there when I was younger and it was always good to go and have a look at the Swans run around,’’ Bird said.

‘‘It would be good to get back there. It would be awesome if they did the ground up.

‘‘I haven’t had a chance to play up this way yet, so it would be good to run around with the boys in this area.’’

Last season was a breakthrough for Bird in the AFL.

He played in 22 of Sydney’s 24 games to extend his career tally to 62 appearances for the Swans.

Bird also made his play-offs debut before Sydney were eliminated by Hawthorn in the quarter-finals.

Last season Swans coach John Longmire used Bird predominantly in a tagging role. But Bird wants to handle the ball in a more attacking role to add to his 25 career goals.

‘‘My goal is to hopefully play in most of the games this year, take my game to another level and become a more accomplished midfielder,’’ he said. ‘‘I hope to cement a spot in the midfield again and have the team in the semi-finals again pushing for a top-four spot. I did a lot of those tagging jobs last year, and if I had to do that again, I will.

‘‘We’ll see how it goes and what the coach wants me to do this year.’’

The Swans visit is expected to be a boost for the code, which is growing rapidly in the Hunter.

For the past two years the Newcastle and Central Coast has been the fastest-expanding region in NSW.

Hunter AFL development manager Craig Golledge said about 1500 juniors played the sport last year.

He was hoping for 2000 this winter.