High-energy Swans forward Will Hayward has reportedly drawn interest from several rival clubs as he moves towards the end of his current deal in the Harbour City.
Contracted until the end of the 2024 season, Hayward began life as a Blood after being selected with the 21st pick of the 2016 AFL Draft.
With this season set to be his eight in red and white, Hayward will meet the markers of restricted free agency by campaign's end.
Since making his way from North Adelaide to Moore Park, the now-25-year-old has been a mainstay in John Longmire's offence, appearing for the Swans on 142 occasions and booting 166 goals.
In 2024 alone, Hayward has maintained his career rate of booting better than a goal a game, slotting seven from his first five outings, including a pair in Sydney's Gather Round win over West Coast.
Noted for his ability to swiftly move onto the end of scoring chains, Hayward is said to have become part of the off-season planning of several clubs.
According to reports from Nine News' Tom Morris, both Carlton and Melbourne are said to have interest in luring Hayward away from Sydney.
The Blues and Demons have joined both Adelaide and Port Adelaide in entering the market for the South Australian's signature, with the latter pair no doubt hopeful Hayward harbours a desire to come home.
Each club is said to be willing to offer Hayward a lengthy deal to prise him way from the SCG, however, as stated by Morris, the Swans remain confident of keeping the fan-favourite on their books going forward.
This reported confidence is boosted by the fact that Sydney will be afforded the right to match any offer put forward to Hayward due to his restricted free agent status.
Hayward will earn his next opportunity to show his wares when the Swans play host to the Suns after their bye.
Sydney and Gold Coast will meet at the SCG on Sunday, March 21 at 1:10pm local time.
