Swans beat rivals to secure star on big deal

Sydney has signed one of the AFL’s most sought-after free agents, Will Hayward, to a new five-year contract.

According to 9News, Hayward signed a new contract this week that would keep him with the Swans until at least the end of 2029.

Hayward had been pursued by Carlton and Adelaide, both of whom offered six-season contracts worth more than what he signed for at Sydney.

Port Adelaide and Melbourne have also showed interest.

The signing is significant for the Swans, following Errol Gulden’s and Ollie Florent’s recent long-term contracts. Florent is Hayward’s close buddy, and the two own Doozy Drinks together.

Sydney is desperate to keep its incredibly gifted roster intact, with vital forward Logan McDonald next on the priority list.

McDonald is being extensively courted by Western Australian clubs and would want a large sum of money and considerable trade capital if he chose to pursue his options at the end of the season.

Further ahead but no less important is the signing of gun midfielder Chad Warner, who is out of contract at the end of next year but is expected to receive massive offers from other clubs.

Hayward has played 148 appearances for Sydney since his debut in 2017.

While he is from Adelaide, his partner grew up in Melbourne, making his decision to stay in the Harbour City even more essential.

He’s become one of the competition’s most consistent and devastating small forwards, with 22 goals this season, including four in two weeks against Fremantle and GWS.

Sydney is anticipated to disclose the news as soon as this week. Only five restricted free agents remain on the table: Tim English, Patrick Dangerfield, Ben Ainsworth, Cam Zurhaar, and Blake Hardwick.