AFL 2022: Sydney Swans pair Ryan Clarke and Will Gould re-sign for next season

Sydney has ticked off two more out-of-contract players on short-term deals as the Swans move closer to locking in its grand final squad.

Ryan Clarke’s resurgence as a forward in the second half of the 2022 season has earned him a fresh one-year deal. Picture: Getty Images

Blue-collar Swan Ryan Clarke’s fairytale mid-year resurgence will continue for at least one more season.

The 25-year-old has re-signed for 2023 after a round 15 senior call-up as a forward – after toiling away in the VFL as a midfielder for most of the previous 18 months – reignited his AFL career.

As News Corp revealed in September, untried defender Will Gould has also scored a fourth season on Sydney’s list after being the Swans’ VFL player of the year.

Clarke played the final 12 games of the year, including the grand final, as he became a key part of Sydney’s suffocating pressure in the front half, as well as performing shutdown jobs.

The former Kangaroo arrived at the Swans at the end of 2019 and his journey may have ended this year if not for his unlikely positional switch.

Ryan Clarke, pictured right celebrating Sydney’s preliminary final victory with retired teammate Josh Kennedy, has re-signed at the Swabs. Picture: Getty Images

“It’s been good. Previously I’ve tagged or gone to opposition in the midfield, so it’s a bit different as a forward,” Clarke told News Corp in August.

“I’ll be forever grateful the Swans took me on four years ago.

“Obviously, the past couple of years have been tough with footy, but I love living in Sydney and the boys here are unbelievable.”

Sydney football boss Charlie Gardiner said Clarke’s one-year deal was deserved reward for how “incredibly hard” he worked.

“Ryan has shown this year that he can play a very important role for the team,” Gardiner said.

Will Gould will hope to play his first AFL game next season after signing a one-year deal. Picture: Phil Hillyard

“He’s a quality young man and has shown great resilience over his career to date. We are looking forward to where he can take his game from here.”

The Swans are expected to trade for wantaway Bomber Aaron Francis inside the next week to add defensive depth but Gould is seen as someone who can develop into a senior regular.

The 21-year-old was the No.26 pick in the 2019 AFL draft and his development in 2022 impressed Gardiner and co.

“We believe he has a good future at the Swans,” Gardiner said.

“He’s worked hard on his game over the last three years and was one of our most consistent performers at VFL level this season, so we are pleased that he has recommitted to the club.”

Originally published as AFL 2022: Sydney Swans pair Ryan Clarke and Will Gould re-sign for next season