Sydney free agent Will Hayward is reportedly garnering "significant interest" from rival clubs as the Swans look to settle their attacking options for the long-term.

This year, the New South Wales club have a quartet of off-contract stars who hail from outside of the state, with Hayward joined by Logan McDonald, Ollie Florent and James Rowbottom in being without a contract for 2025.

Reigning best and fairest winner Errol Gulden is also unsigned, leaving the Swans with a mountain of work in regards to list retention.

McDonald is expected to gain high levels of interest from both Western Australian clubs, with Fremantle loaded with a trio of first-round picks to utilise at the end of this year.

Hayward, a product of South Australia, is eligible for free agency this year and is now said to be on the radar of rival clubs.

The Sydney half-forward, along with McDonald, will play a part in helping fill the void left by the retired Lance Franklin as the Swans look to re-sign the key duo.

According toย Fox Footy'sย Jon Ralph, the Swans will be planning to do so as rival clubs make their own pitch to Hayward.

"I can tell you tonight free agent forward Will Hayward is a player with significant interest from clubs across the competition," Ralph said ahead of Thursday's Sydney-Melbourne opener.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Will Hayward of the Swans celebrates kicking a goal during the AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 02, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

"He was raised in Adelaide and would fit in very nicely at one of those South Australian clubs.

"He's played that selfless role, but now, without 'Buddy', he gets the chance to play out of the square at times."

The Swans have been linked to North Melbourne free agent Cam Zurhaar in recent weeks, with the Kangaroos half-forward also left to make a call on his future this year.

Hayward collected 10 disposals and booted two goals in his side's 22-point win over the Demons, helping get the Swans' new campaign on the right path early.

The Walkerville junior has played 138 games for Sydney since being drafted in 2016, featuring in at least 20 matches per year over the past three seasons while tallying a career goals haul of 161.

Hayward's last contract call came in 2019 when he signed a four-year extension with the club at the cessation of his third season in the red and white.

Sydney will venture to Victoria next week for a Round 1 clash with reigning premiers Collingwood at the MCG on Friday, March 15 at 7:40pm (AEDT).