Chad Warner meeting in Perth sparks fresh AFL trade questions around Sydney Swans star
Sydney's new coach has spoken about wanting to lock down the gun midfielder long-term.
Speculation that Sydney Swans star Chad Warner could be looking to return to his home state in Western Australia has ramped up after he was spotted looking at property in Perth and meeting with officials from West Coast. Warner is off contract after the 2025 AFL season but the rumour mill has been in full swing regarding the gun midfielder's future in Sydney and the likelihood of him returning to WA.
New Swans coach Dean Cox made it clear last month that extending the contract of Warner was a top priority for the AFL club after he recently took over from long-time coach John Longmire. But the Sydney club could have a fight on their hands to convince Warner that his long-term future lies in the harbour city after the 23-year-old was reportedly seen checking out a number of properties around the affluent Perth riverside suburb of Bicton.
Warner also reportedly met West Coast CEO Don Pyke and Eagles head of strategy Kieren Jack while he was back on holidays in his home state, with the group enjoying a round of golf together. SEN's Paul Hasleby also reported that the All Australian had a number of viewings at various properties in the WA capital, suggesting he could be looking at buying a future home in the area.
"Not only did Chad Warner play golf with Don Pyke and Kieren Jack whilst here in Perth," Hasleby told SEN radio. "I can tell you last Sunday, he had a private viewing of a property in Bicton. He didn't buy the property, but I am led to believe he did also look at some other properties in that area.
"It doesn't mean that he's definitely coming home, but Luke Jackson and Liam Baker both explored real estate options in Perth the year before deciding to come home." Hasleby pointed out that the Perth riverside area where Warner was looking at property isn't particularly close to the Eagles' headquarters or that of city rivals Fremantle, leaving questions marks around which WA club he might be leaning towards.
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"It doesn't leave any more clues in terms of which club, because Bicton the suburb is basically right between Coburn and Mineral Resources Park. That’s a bit of news filtering through," Hasleby said. The development could leave the Swans a little nervous after Cox made it clear that the Sydney club viewed Warner as integral to the club's plans moving forward.
Swans want to extend Chad Warner 'as soon as possible'
Warner was drafted by the Swans out of East Fremantle with Pick 39 in 2019 and has come on in leaps and bounds with Sydney in the ensuing years. And Cox said last month that he has an excellent relationship with the 23-year-old and hopes they can re-sign him "as soon as possible". He told SEN radio: “Any time that a player is out of contract of the calibre of Chad there’s always going to be dialogue and conversation around it.
“For us it’s about trying to make sure that Chad is as happy as he possibly can be, which he is. He’s playing the football that we demand as a footy club. hen from there whatever takes place. We’ll speak to Chad throughout the process to make sure that hopefully can get it done as soon as possible. I’ve got a good relationship with Chad, hopefully we can get that work done and dusted and move forward.”
Cox said after Sydney locked down the futures of other stars such as Logan McDonald, Will Hayward and Ollie Florent this year, it was now the club's mission to get a deal done for Warner. “Chad is at the top of our priority now. He’s an amazing footballer, one I’ve got a really strong relationship with," the Sydney coach said.
“He’s really enjoying his time in Sydney. That’s the role of our footy club and myself now, to try and make sure we can get Chad locked away as quickly as possible and create the environment he wants to be a part of going forward.” Warner was instrumental in Sydney's march to the grand final this year after finishing third behind Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden in Sydney's best-and-fairest awards.
