Sydney are "quietly confident" they'll retain the services of in-demand free agent Will Hayward beyond 2024 as several rival clubs circle.
The Swans half-forward has emerged as one of the most discussed and sought-after names on the open market, with the 25-year-old's form to start the season likely a factor in the wide-ranging intrigue into his signature.
Hayward is enjoying a breakout campaign in the red and white, having booted 20 goals from 10 games as the New South Wales side sits atop the competition nearing the halfway mark of the year.
Adelaide, Port Adelaide, Carlton and Melbourne have been tied to Hayward so far this year ahead of his looming free agency call, with the Crows and Blues reportedly tabling lucrative long-term deals to the South Australian.
While Hayward could fetch close to close to $5 million via an offer from a rival club, the Swans remain satisfied with where things sit between them and their gun forward.
With Hayward initially seen as a likely chance to depart Bondi, the Swans' optimism is anoter twist in the race for the in-form attacker.
"I'm confident (a deal will get done)," club CEO Tom Harley toldย 3AW.
"Will is absolutely invested in what we're doing and we're invested in Will. I'm quietly confident."
Sydney football boss Leon Cameron has shared a similar level of confidence with Harley that Hayward will re-sign, telling Fox Footyย of the club's "enormous amount of optimism" of an agreement being reached eventually.
"There is an enormous amount of optimism from the club, from Will and his management. A deal will get done,โ Cameron said, via reporter Jon Ralph.
"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."
The Swans have managed a successful year so far on the retention front, having secured Errol Gulden, James Rowbottom and Ollie Florent to new deals already this year.
Hayward is one of two uncontracted Swans players who would be viewed as priority re-signing targets at the club, with key forward and Western Australian Logan McDonald also yet to cement his future beyond this year.
Sydney also have Harry Cunningham,ย Robbie Fox,ย Aaron Francis, Jacob Konstanty and Sam Reid, among others, still without deals for 2025.
