Sydney has been exploring a trade for George Hewett.
In something of a surprise, the Swans are open to the possibility of dealing Hewett to a rival club with a year to run on his contract.
Hewett has grown into a hardworking, accountable midfielder since breaking into the Swans’ line-up in 2016, but a back injury and subsequent surgery cruelled his 2020 season.
It’s understood Sydney’s salary cap is tight, forcing them to consider options. Hewett also qualifies for free agency at the end of next season after eight years at the SCG.
But Hewett is determined to stay at the club.
The Swans’ delicate balance sheet is also understood to be complicating their move for West Coast ruckman Tom Hickey.
Hickey, from Queensland, wants to move back to the east coast for family reasons, but the two parties remain a fair way apart on what he should be paid.
Contracted Swans defender Aliir Aliir completed a medical with Port Adelaide yesterday, with the Power tempting him with a lucrative long-term deal.
Sydney had wanted Peter Ladhams in an exchange, but that proposal has been repeatedly shut down by Port.