Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley not worried by delays on Chad Warner’s contract talks
Chad Warner’s celebrations after Sydney’s win over Freo sparked suggestions a new deal for the Swans superstar could be coming soon. CEO Tom Harley has provided an update on his future.
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Swans CEO Tom Harley has joked supporters could sneakily slide through a contract for Chad Warner at this weekend’s Fan Day as the club continues to work away at a new deal for the superstar midfielder.
Warner starred for Sydney in their first win of the season against Fremantle last Sunday, with his jubilant celebrations sparking suggestions his re-signing could be imminent.
Reports this week have indicated that the Swans are close to agreeing a two-year deal with the 23-year-old worth more than $1.3m a season, which could see him become the highest-paid player in the game. It’s now believed that Sydney is in the box seat to retain Warner, but the ball remains in his court as he decides on his future.
While Harley wouldn’t be drawn on the specifics of the negotiations, he remains confident that the Swans are well placed to convince Warner to stay.
“If they want to slide through Chad’s contract (at the Fan Day), that’d be great,” Harley quipped.
“No new news from our end, but I’ll be consistent in saying we have a really good relationship with Chad. We certainly take nothing for granted, and when it comes to putting our best case forward to retain key talent, Chad’s certainly that.
“He’s an important member of our team. If we needed to be reminded, we saw what he’s capable of in a really dominant last quarter against Fremantle.
“The relationship we have with him, his family and his management provides opportunities to explore what the future could look like.
“We know he’s got great opportunities here in Sydney. We know that he’s a free agent in two years’ time. We know he’s originally from WA. So you put all of those things into the pot and try to work really collaboratively on the best solution for everyone.
“I feel comforted that the right conversations are happening at the right time.”
It was a relief for the Swans to finally get back in the winner’s circle against the Dockers as Dean Cox landed his first victory as head coach.
The timing is also fortuitous as the club heads into the bye with a chance to take stock after several key injuries across the opening month of the year. But the win also provides renewed belief for Sydney supporters that things are heading in a positive direction.
Harley hopes that momentum will continue at this weekend’s Fan Day. Following the Swans’ open training at 10.30am, Sydney AFL and AFLW players will be available to fans at the club’s HQ and the Entertainment Quarter from 12pm for a variety of signing sessions and activities.
“Dean and Leon (Cameron) have both said the program’s been going 100 miles an hour since we restarted in January,” Harley said. “To have a couple of days to take a breath and reflect on the training block is important.
“We’ve been really confident that Dean is going to be a successful long-term coach for our footy club. So, I wasn’t overly surprised (by the celebrations), but it’s great to see that. We’re all wrapped for Dean to have a win, he certainly enjoyed it.
“Saturday is going to be terrific. It’s really our opportunity as a club and the players from both groups to say thank you and show gratitude to our fans and members. As a club, we want to enrich the lives of our members; these are the opportunities to present that.
And while Warner’s future remains up in the air, Swans fans can rest assured that Harley remains committed to the club.
The Geelong premiership winner had been floated as one of the potential candidates for the AFL as they ramp up their search for Andrew Dillon’s second in command. However, Harley is more than content with his role at Sydney.
“I’m absolutely settled in my role here and I’m really enjoying what we’re doing collectively,” he said. “That’s with the whole team: the players on the park, the coaches in high-performance programs and the off-field stuff.
“I’m excited about what our future looks like.”
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