Swans forward Sam Wicks will remain at the club until the end of the 2025 season after inking a two-year contract extension this week.
A product of the Swans Academy, Wicks made his debut in Round 10 of the 2020 season, however, has battled injuries during his time at the club, as well as extremely tight competition for spots.
The Swans forward line is renowned for its high standards, requiring players to be extremely hard workers who deliver numerous high-pressure acts per game, perhaps best personified by gun Tom Papley.
Wicks has made his name and carved out a role as an exciting player who delivers much-needed forward pressure. Despite being 24 years of age, he has played just 50 games due to his injury setbacks.
Season 2023 saw Wicks deliver his best year as a pressure forward, averaging an elite 5.4 tackles per game, indicating his best football is likely ahead of him as he began to see consistent AFL action.
Sydney Executive General Manager of Football Charlie Gardiner said as much when announcing the contract extension via a club statement.
“Sam is an exciting player who has developed into a valuable performer at AFL level.. He has built his game around his defensive work rate and pressure, and we really value what he is able to do for the team in this area of the game," Gardiner said.
“We think Sam still has a lot of improvement in him and we look forward to seeing him take his game to a new level over the next couple of seasons.”
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Following their eliminationfFinal exit to Carlton this year, the Swans have also strengthened via the trade and free agency periods, adding Brodie Grundy, Taylor Adams, James Jordon and Joel Hamling as they look to return to last Saturday in September.