Will Hayward in massive development from circling AFL clubs as Swans battle to keep ace

Sydney Swans star Will Hayward will reportedly be offered a monster deal from the Adelaide Crows as other AFL clubs join the race for the talented 25-year-old. Hayward was born in Adelaide, but is currently proving his talents in Sydney with the high-flying Swans.

The 25-year-old was sensational last Friday against Fremantle having kicked four goals in the Swans' victory. And his efforts continue to be noticed with Channel Nine's Xander McGuire reporting the Crows are prepared to offer a deal of around $800,000 a year to Hayward.

This belittles the Swans' current short-term deal, according to McGuire, who are set to offer Hayward around $550,000 a year. Reporter Jon Ralph added that Carlton were also in the hunt and would offer more than the Swans. Although he elaborated and added the Crows could be offering a monster six-year contract with plenty of room in their salary cap space, while Port Adelaide are also interested.

"But while Carlton has a six-year offer on the table, it is understood they would not go anywhere near the scope of rival offers," Ralph wrote in The Herald Sun. "Their offer would be in the high 600s but won’t start with a seven, let alone $800,000.

"Their players have pledged to take less in coming seasons to keep the list together so they can hardly splash $850,000 on a free agent and ask their players to sacrifice." The Swans will take on Carlton this Friday night.

Kane Cornes lauds Will Hayward

Kane Cornes was full of praise for Hayward recently having labelled him an underrated star. The Port Adelaide great claimed Hayward doesn't get the limelight like some of the other forwards from Sydney. “I think he’s the best ‘no one talks about me’ player,” Cornes said on SEN Radio in March.

“I really admire the way Hayward plays. He’s tough, he plays a really selfless role in a difficult position, he’s good in the air, he always bobs up and kicks you a goal when you need it.

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“From everyone you hear and speak to at Sydney they love him. He always wins best team man, but no one really talks about him. I just thought he deserves some love.” Hayward has been in sensational form this year having kicked 19 goals in nine games. The Swans sit at the top of the table and face Carlton on Friday night at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Carlton sit seventh on the ladder with six wins and three losses.