Sydney footy manager Tom Harley has all but ended speculation about the future of emerging star Zak Jones after announcing the young Swan close to re-signing.
Jones, the brother of Melbourne co-captain Nathan, is enjoying a breakout season in which he averages 21 disposals playing a variety of roles across half-back and in the midfield.
The fourth-year player, originally taken with the Swan’s first round selection in 2015, has attracted plenty of interest from Victorian clubs, including the Demons, where the chance to play alongside his brother was viewed as a key platform to help facilitate any move.
“We don’t envisage any issues with that at all and while he hasn’t been signed to this point, there have been some fruitful discussions,” Harley told SEN Breakfast.
“We’re confident where things are at and we’re in constant conversation with his manager Tom Petroro.”
Given the Swans current plight locking away the 22-year-old Jones is a priority for the club that boasts a number of veterans and is staring down the barrel of missing finals for the first time 2009.
Sydney’s 3-7 start is the clubs worst since it went 3-9 to start the 1995 season.
The Swans host reigning premier Western Bulldogs tonight at the SCG in what is an elimination final for 2012 premiers. Veteran midfielder Kieren Jack and ruckman Sam Naismith have been included at the expense of underperforming star forward Kurt Tippett.
Harley said speculation surrounding the future of the highly paid forward was “inconsequential” to the club.
“We here the commentary but that’s all it is,” he said.
The 30-year-old Swan is contracted to Sydney until the end of 2018.