Sydney midfielder Errol Gulden is attracting interest from rival clubs, following a breakout 2023 campaign.
Coming fourth in the Brownlow Medal count, Gulden is set to earn a big pay packet in 2025 and beyond, with clubs like Fremantle and Adelaide already circling.
Making the All-Australian team and taking home the Bob Skilton Medal (Swans champion) last year, it is no wonder that teams are gearing up to make a play for his services.
AFLย Media's Cal Twomey believes the Crows and Dockers are two clubs who spring to mind, saying both are likely to try to lure Gulden to their clubs.
"Rival clubs are throwing their hat in the ring, showing interest and they should be, he's a superstar," Twomey said.
โSydney has plenty of contract priorities this year, with Errol Gulden top of the list. Early talks have begun on his contract, while other clubs have expressed their interest in the Swans star, including Fremantle and Adelaide."
Gulden has ties to South Australia given that his brothers and sisters have played there, which could help make the switch interstate, if he explores his options.
The Dockers, on the other hand, have a smattering of first-round picks that they are gearing up to use in the 2024 AFL Trade period.
Already linked to local boy and Gulden's teammate Logan McDonald, Fremantle is set to play an aggressive hand during the off-season and bring in some readymade talent.
Speaking onย SEN a month ago, the 21-year-old was coy about his contract talks with the Swans but has confidence a deal will get done.
โI think if anyone said it's not something they think about, they're absolutely kidding themselves,โ Gulden said.
โI definitely do think about it. You know, it is my future and it's obviously extremely important, but at the same time, I have full faith that the footy club and I are going to work things out in due course.
โWe're in no rush, I think it's definitely probably something I think about more at the moment with no games on in comparison to when the season starts.
โBut I love this footy club. I love the direction we're heading, the coaching staff, the group of players and obviously the facility that you mentioned.
โI'm a born and bred Sydney boy and have been at the club since I was pretty much 10 years old. I love the Swans and these things will take care of themselves in due course.โ
The Swans have a heap of priorities and it will be interesting to see how they juggle some of their stars throughout the year.
Will Hayward has already started gaining interest from rival clubs as he enters free agency, while Ollie Florent is another one to watch closely.
James Rowbottom and Logan McDonald will also be out of contract come season's end, with Sydney likely to lock them down as soon as they can.
After a scintillating start to the 2024 season that resulted in a win against Melbourne in 'Opening Round', the Swans turned their attention to the MCG on Friday night.
They will take on the reigning premiers Collingwood, who will be looking to square the ledger after a poor showing against the Giants.
