Swans forward set to turn back on free agency and rival offers

Sydney is now expecting to keep forward Will Hayward beyond 2024 despite rival clubs coming hard.

Hayward is one of this year’s biggest-name restricted free agents and is coming off a 25-goal season in 2023.

A South Australian, he’s reported to have attracted interest from multiple states to leave the Swans.

But as Sydney’s footy boss Leon Cameron told Fox Footy on Friday night, the Swans are optimistic.

“There is an enormous amount of optimism from the club, Will and his management a deal will get done,” Cameron said to News Corp.

“We are desperate to keep him. We know how valuable he is and we are working closely with Will to get it done sooner rather than later.” It’s been a great year and even if some goals have been over the back his pressure game is so good he’s got strings to his bow.”

Nine's Tom Morris had previously told SEN Carlton and Port Adelaide were among the clubs in the hunt, with Hayward only considering a team in the premiership window.

There are eight restricted free agents in 2024, with the list headlined by Brisbane’s Hugh McCluggage and Bulldog Tim English.

Hayward's status as an RFA means that he can walk to his club of choice later this year, should Sydney opt to not match a rival offer.

If the Swans do, they'll force a trade.

Hayward, 25, has played 146 games since debuting for Sydney back in 2017. 2024 marks the first season the medium forward is averaging over two goals a game, having booted 19 goals in nine games so far this year.