Gold Coast midfielder David Swallow has opted against following his high-profile teammates out the door, agreeing to a massive contract extension that will see him remain at the Suns until 2024.
The exits of co-captains Steven May and Tom Lynch to Melbourne clubs in the off-season wasn’t enough to sway the 2010 No.1 draft pick, who considers Gold Coast home.
The 25-year-old’s extension comes less than a month after older brother Andrew – a former North Melbourne captain – was added to the Suns’ coaching panel for 2019.
Alongside exciting pair Jack Martin and Touk Miller, Swallow was arguably the highest-profile member of the club off contract beyond next season.
Second-year coach Stuart Dew has been happy to cleanse the list after a 4-18 debut season, with Aaron Hall, Kade Kolodjashnij, Michael Barlow and Jarryd Lyons moved on and Matt Rosa retiring.
But it’s clear how highly the club rates the West Australian recruit, who has navigated past a serious knee injury to be one of the club’s most reliable players in a 117-game career.
“I’ve thought about it for a while now, I’m happy to get it done and looking forward to the next few years,” Swallow said.
“There has been a number of changes throughout the club in recent times and it’s going to be fresh for myself and everyone involved this year.
“The club is well placed, some good appointments in the coaching area and fitness staff.
“We’ve got a young list, that’s really tight, and driven for success.”
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Roar Rookie
Agreed don, he has always spoken of the chance to make history with the suns, seems to me his long-term deal is GCS Pavlich moment and as you said now he's stood up and Weller( their Peter bell coming home) came it looks as if the suns are finally getting that mix of quality ppl right. East Freo boy would make you happy hey.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
David Swallow has always been motivated by the greater good. He would simply have wondered who was ever going to stand up and stay...so decided it had to start with someone. I hope his fitness gives him a decent run at it because he is something special. Andrew Swallow was terrific but David is one out of the box. Good on him.
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Roar Rookie
Would expect he'll be announced captain soon, in every interview I read with him in the west or sunday Times he always said he was not going to return to WA to play so never believed he will comeback rumours circulating.