Chad Warner knocks back Sydney Swans contract extension offer

A Swans star has become one of the top players in the league and now could be the centre of an all out AFL bidding war.

Chad Warner has put his contract talks on hold. Photo by Phil Hillyard.

Sydney star Chad Warner isn’t rushing his next contract.

The midfielder has been one of the players of the season as he continues to dominate week in and week out for the 10-1 Swans.

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The 23-year-old has thrust his name into Brownlow Medal contention and as his value soars, he could set in motion a bidding war.

Warner reportedly knocked back a contract extension offer from the Swans earlier in the season, according to the SMH.

While under contract until the end of next season, the move leaves the door open for rival clubs to swoop in and throw a big money offer at the midfielder who has become must watch television in 2024.

The Swans have taken the AFL by storm this season, currently sitting six points clear atop the ladder, with their midfield trio of Warner, Errol Gulden (21) and Isaac Heeney (28) leading the way.

But with contract talks on hold, the East Fremantle born Warner could become the hottest commodity on the AFL market.

Chad has been unstoppable this season. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Swans CEO Tom Harley spoke on the importance of the club signing Warner to a new deal as the club looks to build a potential dynasty.

“He’s clearly a priority player for us going forward. He does have another year on his contract,” Harley said on SEN ahead their win over the Bulldogs.

“When you’re working through your list and your priorities, he’s right at the top of that.

“We would love to extend Chad tomorrow beyond 2025 and those conversations will happen at the right pace and the right time, but he’s a very integral part of what we’re doing.”

In comments made to the SMH, West Coast GM Gavin Bell said the club had interest in luring the Swans star away.

“We are aware that Chad has 18 months left on his current contract with Sydney. If Chad wishes to return to Perth at any point to continue his career, we would love to have him play at our Club,” Bell said.

Warner will attract a big money from rivals. (Photo by Matt King/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Warner produced arguably his game of the season for the Swans in round 11 as they took care of business against the Western Bulldogs.

He finished the contest with 25 disposals, four clearances, six inside 50s and four goals.

Through 11 games on the season he’s currently averaging 24.6 disposals and has kicked 19 goals.

He’s currently the sixth favourite for the Brownlow Medal, behind Caleb Serong, Zach Merrett, Patrick Cripps, Nick Daicos and Heeney.

If he can maintain his current form throughout the 2024 season, his value could rise to see him become the latest million dollar player in the AFL.

Originally published as Chad Warner knocks back Sydney Swans contract extension offer