Rival clubs are reportedly monitoring the situation of young Swan Dylan Stephens, who remains unsigned for the 2024 season.
Stephens last penned a deal with Sydney at the end of 2021, a year where Victorian clubs Collingwood and Essendon were linked to the emerging onballer.
The 22-year-old would turn down external advances in favour of remaining in the Harbour City on a two-year extension, which is now set to reach its expiry at the conclusion of this season.
Stephens' value as a Swan soared last September when he played a leading role in the club's qualifying final win over Melbourne at the MCG before holding his own in his side's last two finals fixtures, including the grand final defeat to Geelong.
The Red Cliffs junior entered this year as a mainstay in John Longmire's plan, playing the first seven games of the home and away season before falling out of favour. He would record a career-high possessions tally of 27 disposals in his side's season opener against the Gold Coast Suns.
Stephens has managed just two games at AFL level since Round 7, with his best efforts at the state league level not enough to guarantee opportunities in the top flight over recent months.
Averaging a team-high 29.2 disposals and 6.8 clearances in the VFL this year, Stephens has proven to be a standout at the lower level but has struggled to transition that form under Longmire.
Lacking senior opportunities and without a deal for next year, Stephens is said to be waiting to make a contract call, according to AFL.com.au.ย
The publication's report suggests rivals have Stephens' name on their radar and could be ready to pounce if the former top five draft pick's future in the red and white remains clouded.
Stephens is among a bevy of Swans players still unsigned for 2024, with veteran sharpshooter Lance Franklin, ruckman Tom Hickey, forward Hayden McLean and defender Lewis Melican, among others, yet to know where their future lies.
Franklin is said to be more open to the idea of playing on next year after initially leaning toward calling time on his 19-year career.
Sydney have managed to re-sign Joel Amarteyย (2026),ย Nick Blakeyย (2031),ย Dane Rampe (2025) and Angus Sheldrick (2025) to new deals so far this year.
