Star Sydney player Chad Warner has yet to quell the persistent speculation regarding his Australian Football League (AFL) future, whether that entails extending his contract with the Swans or potentially linking up with a club back in his home state of Western Australia.
However, following Sydney’s exhilarating first win of the season—a narrow three-point triumph over Fremantle in Perth on Sunday—the All-Australian star hinted at a possible new deal with the Swans in two intriguing ways.
The first sign was the enthusiastic tugging of his Swans guernsey as the final siren sounded. Sydney narrowly defeated Fremantle 9.14 (68) to 9.11 (65), dodging an 0-3 start to the season, and Warner was visibly elated.
The second indication, captured and shared on the Swans’ social media, showcased a jubilant moment as he jumped into the arms of head coach Dean Cox in the locker room, delivering a hearty slap on the back to the team’s new leader.
Cox beamed when questioned about Warner’s display of passion.
“He’s a spirited character; his love for the footy club is clear,” Cox remarked during his media briefing.
“My priority is to ensure Chad plays his best footy for this club and enjoys his time here. Ideally, that will be for a prolonged period; I’ve maintained that from the start.”
“You always want to retain your top talent, and Chad is indisputably one of those.”
“This is an ongoing process we are committed to, but he is genuinely passionate and enjoys being part of the footy club and playing alongside his teammates.”
In the match, Warner amassed 26 possessions, 10 of which were contested, and he covered a staggering 727 metres, in addition to generating 10 inside 50s.
The 23-year-old showcased his skills impressively, particularly in a decisive final quarter, where he recorded 10 of his touches.
“When the big moments arise, you want your best players to deliver—and that’s exactly what they do,” Cox commented.
“I thought his influence in the last quarter was significant.”
Chad Warner jumps into Dean Cox’s arms after the Swans secured victory over the Dockers. Sydney Swans
Speculation about Warner potentially joining the Eagles intensified when he was spotted playing golf during the off-season with West Coast’s CEO Don Pyke and Kieren Jack, the club’s head of strategy and innovation. Pyke had served as an assistant coach for Sydney from 2021 to 2023, while Jack, a Swans legend with 256 games under his belt, took on a role in the club’s commercial department after retiring in 2019.
Rumours reached a fever pitch when reports surfaced that he had purchased a luxurious multimillion-dollar property in Perth.
“Looks like a lovely place,” chuckled Swans teammate Errol Gulden at the time.
“I suppose it’s just a nice holiday spot for him.”
However, judging by the celebrations following the Swans’ thrilling win over the Dockers, that “holiday spot” could be all it remains.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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