Sydney will relist Robbie Fox after almost mistakenly delisting him.
The versatile 27-year-old played 14 games with the Swans in 2020 and his delisting earlier this week came as a surprise to many.
GM of Football Charlie Gardiner has revealed how the Swans wished to drop Fox to the rookie list which they were unable to do prior to a late rule change by the AFL.
“Robbie had a breakout year, you would say, with the team,” Gardiner told SEN Afternoons.
“He played 14 games in the end and was pretty consistent for us.
“The challenge this year is the squeeze on for list spots and you’ve got to weigh up a whole lot of things around your list needs and your priorities when you’re making calls.
“We’re actually very keen to re-rookie Robbie and have committed to doing that with him.
“Unfortunately we weren’t aware of a late rule change the AFL made to now allow players to be directly transferred from a primary list onto a rookie list.
“That was our intention but we weren’t aware of the late rule change. Had we known that, the messaging would have been different in relation to Robbie.
“We’re certainly hopeful he can continue the development and progress he made last season with us next season.
“Robbie is out of contract so we do need to come to terms but we are hopeful we can do that and he can continue his career with us next season.”
Gardiner also revealed that the Swans will rookie Sam Gray who was delisted along with Fox.
“Sam is contracted so we are committed to taking him as a rookie as well,” he added.
Gray, who joined from Port Adelaide prior to the 2020 season, played seven games in the red and white for an AFL total of 103.
Fox has now played 38 games across four season for the Swans.