Swans lock Hayward away on long-term contract

Will Hayward has signed a long-term contract with the Sydney Swans.

The 25-year-old has penned a five-year deal which locks him away until the end of the 2029 season.

Hayward turned down massive offers from rival clubs, including Carlton, while Adelaide and Port Adelaide were reportedly attempting to lure him home.

But he has opted to stay put in red and white for the foreseeable future.

“Since I was drafted the Swans have been great to me and my family, and I’m so happy that I will be here at the club for the long term,” Hayward said in a club statement.

“I feel extremely lucky that the club has put its faith in me, and our team feels we’re on the right path, so I can’t wait to get stuck in and try to achieve more success here in Sydney.

“We feel we’re in a really good position to launch for the second half of the season and I’m excited about what we could produce over the next few years.”

Hayward was drafted with Pick 21 in 2016 and has since played 148 games and kicked 181 goals.

He has booted 22 goals in season 2024 to sit on top of the goal kicking charts for the current top side.