Sydney forward makes call on future amid plenty of rival interest

Swans’ Will Hayward has made the all-important decision to stay in New South Wales.

WRITER | June 4, 2024 - 11:06am

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Sydney forward Will Hayward has turned his back on rival clubs and has re-committed to the club, signing for a further five years.

Hayward had received plenty of interest from South Australian clubs as well as Melbourne and Carlton, but has knocked back offers to stay in the red and white until the end of 2029.

It was reported that the Blues and Crows had tabled a six-year deal to the 25-year-old by Channel 9's Tom Morris.

Touted as a highly talented junior, the North Adelaide product has made an impact in his 148 games for Sydney after being taken with Pick 21 in the 2016 National Draft.

OFFICIAL | Sydney Swans forward Will Hayward has signed a long-term contract extension until at least the end of 2029. #Bloods

Read all the details: https://t.co/iLAxVWPziR pic.twitter.com/tT4NFIzBZh

— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) June 4, 2024

“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 announcement.

“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.”

Sydney Swans GM of Football Leon Cameron said it is great to see Hayward remain at the club.

“Will is one of the more popular members of the playing group and we're thrilled to have him commit long term with this footy club,” Cameron said.

“We all know what he can do with the ball in hand but it's the stuff he does off the ball which has earnt the respect of his teammates. His running ability, chasing and tackling is first class, and we really value that here.

“I look forward to seeing Will develop even more as a person and footy player at this club.”

Hayward's signing coup comes as the club has already locked away Errol Gulden, James Rowbottom and Ollie Florent while Logan McDonald is next on the priority list.

Hayward has taken his game to new heights in 2024.

A noted goal kicker since joining the club, the 25-year-old yielded his best return of 34 goals in 2022, a career-best that is likely to be toppled this year.

Hayward is averaging two goals a game to go along with 12.3 disposals, 4.6 marks and 3.5 tackles.