Ally Morphett has turned down a massive deal with the Western Bulldogs to remain with the Sydney Swans

Sydney ruck Ally Morphett has turned down the chance to become one of the AFLW’s best-paid players, instead committing her future to the Swans.

Ally Morphett is set to remain loyal to Sydney and sign a big new deal with the Swans. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Sydney young gun Ally Morphett has spurned the chance to become one of the highest-paid players in the AFLW to sign a long-term deal with the Swans.

The 19-year-old ruck was a revelation for Scott Gowans’ side during their impressive second season.

Her eye-catching performances attracted interest from several clubs with the Western Bulldogs keen to lure her to Whitten Oval on a massive five-year contract that would have seen her join the top echelon of players in the competition.

However, the lifelong Swans fan has taken a smaller deal to remain with the Bloods as they look to build on their semi-final appearance this season.

Morphett was a standout for Sydney this season and is in contention to be named in the All-Australian team. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Morphett has signed a four-year deal with the club, which will take her through to the end of the 2027 season. It’s set to be a back-ended contract with the option to take the deal out for a further two seasons.

“I am so excited to have committed my future to the Swans,” Morphett said.

“This club is where I can take my footy to another level. I’ve seen what I can do in two years and can’t wait for what’s to come. I can’t wait to work with my teammates to keep building and striving for success.”

“People talk about the ‘Bloods culture,’ it really is something special. From the simple things like eating together in the dining room, to the men’s team showing up at our games to support us, it all matters. It’s like being part of a family, we all work together under the one roof, we all strive for success together, we are one club.”

The teenager was one of the breakout stars for Sydney this year. After spending the off-season working tirelessly on her fitness, Morphett announced herself in the competition during Sydney’s breakthrough win in round one against the Giants.

She earned a Rising Star nomination for the performance, finishing the game with 29 hit outs, 16 contested possessions, seven clearances and a goal.

The teenager emerged as one of the best rucks in the AFLW in 2023. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Morphett carried that form throughout the season, leading the AFLW for average hit outs (29.3) across seven matches before a wrist injury ended her season prematurely.

She was recognised for her efforts as one of three Swans named in the All-Australian squad, while she was also selected as the starting ruck for the AFLPA’s 22 under 22 team.

At just 19, Morphett’s dominance around the stoppages put the competition on notice and her coach believes she has the potential to become one of the best players in the AFLW.

“I said to Ally at the end of last season, I can make you into the best player in the competition, but you have to get fit first,” Gowans said after her round one performance.

“I think she could be very special. It’s rare to get a 19-year-old who has that much talent and is that tall in our game.”

With a core midfield group building around Morphett, including 21-year-old Laura Gardiner who finished second in the AFLCA AFLW Champion Player of the Year award, the Swans are set to continue surging up the ladder next season.

It’s the first big move for the Swans this off-season in what could prove to be a juggle to keep all of their stars.

With Chloe Molloy, Lucy McEvoy, Cynthia Hamilton and Montana Ham all tied down long-term with Sydney, their attention now turns to tying down the multitude of young players that are off contract.

Originally published as Ally Morphett has turned down a massive deal with the Western Bulldogs to remain with the Sydney Swans