AFL News

Sydney veteran not buying into contract speculation, remains coy on future

“I’m just taking every opportunity I can at the moment and just enjoying my footy.”

Published by
Amy Bonthorne

Veteran Swan Luke Parker has declined to comment on his future at the club, putting his focus on the rest of the home and away season and the final series.

The experienced midfielder has been a critical player for Sydney in recent weeks, playing a more forward-midfield role for coach John Longmire's side.

Parker has kicked 5 goals for the Swans in their past two clashes, being a focal point in the front half, helping Sydney secure the minor premiership.

Last week, speculation emerged via AFL Media's journalist Cal Twomey that the former Swans captain was "open to exploring a move to a rival club at the end of the year".

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 02: Luke Parker of the Swans celebrates a goal during the 2022 AFL Second Qualifying Final match between the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 2, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

This has generated interest among clubs, with North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson mentioning Parker last Friday in a radio interview, saying a player of his calibre is needed at the Kangaroos to help develop their young list.

Parker has addressed the contract speculation, steering clear of the topic and stating that his current focus is on the Swans, according to AAP.

The 31-year-old is determined to help the Swans push towards September, trying to add a second premiership medallion to his 2012 one.

"I'm just enjoying playing at the moment," said the three-time Bob Skilton medallist.

"I've had a long year with a broken arm at the start and then suspended for a while.

"I'm just taking every opportunity I can at the moment and just enjoying my footy."

Parker was asked if he would be at the Swans next year, replying with, "At the moment, I'm contracted, so we'll see".

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Luke Parker and James Rowbottom of the Swans team leave the field after victory during the AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Sydney Swans and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at GIANTS Stadium on March 06, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Parker signed a four-year extension in 2021, seeing him remain in Sydney until the end of 2025.

The 31-year-old has had a tumultuous season to date, starting with a broken arm during the pre-season that kept him sidelined for the opening seven rounds of the year.

Unable to crack into the dominant Swans line-up, Parker was forced to bide his time in the VFL, which subsequently saw an extra six weeks spent looking on after an errant bump resulted in a suspension.

The 2012 premiership player eventually returned to the senior side in Round 18 as the sub against North Melbourne and has featured ever since, playing pivotal roles up forward in the past fortnight.

"I was bit nowhere the first half (against Essendon), but got going in the second half and got on the end of a few, which was nice," Parker said.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Luke Parker of the Swans leads the team out during the round six AFL match between the Geelong Cats and Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

"I'm working with a few young boys down there and trying to build the energy and have some fun."

Swans coach John Longmire also did not want to comment on the former captain's future on Friday night following their win against the Bombers.

"No, let's enjoy the moment," Longmire said.

"(Parker) has played well the last couple of weeks, he's been terrific.

"I just like the way he's used his forward craft, he's done a great job the last couple of weeks."

2024-08-24T09:40:00Z

The Swans have all but locked up the minor premiership and a home qualifying final at the SCG, with their opponent to be revealed after Round 24.

Published by
Amy Bonthorne