Swans rising midfield star Chad Warner has given the club a boost by signing a two-year contract extension ahead of Friday week’s qualifying final against Melbourne.
Warner, 21, an All-Australian nominee this year, and his younger brother Corey, 18, will be Swans until at least 2025.
While Warner missed the final cut for the All-Australian side, announced at the AFL Awards night on Wednesday, co-captain Callum Mills and free-ranging forward Isaac Heeney were both named for the first time. A fourth Swans nominee, Tom Papley, who was All-Australian last year also missed out.
Mills was named on a wing while Heeney was included as an interchange player.
GWS Giants key defender Sam Taylor was also named in the All-Australian team for the first time.
The awards are a prelude to the finals, with Warner excited about meeting reigning premiers Melbourne in front of a massive MCG crowd.
Chad Warner has signed a new deal with the Swans.Credit:Getty
“All the boys [are] really pumped,” Warner said. “It’s just the vibe of both teams being in the top four. It’s really exciting.
“We’re going to get out there and give it a fair crack. It adds to the camaraderie around the group and the excitement that goes with it.”
Warner is one of the reasons why the Swans have finished third to gain the finals double chance, with one of the Swans’ most significant victories against Melbourne at the MCG mid-season.
His strength, skills and running power have bolstered a Swans’ midfield, which already had quality playmakers in Mills and Luke Parker and another rapidly developing youngster, James Rowbottom.
Warner credited Mills and Parker for his significant improvement.
“Millsy and Parks have taken me under their wing a lot this year,” said Warner. “I think they just saw the potential I had and obviously the attributes I could add to the midfield. They’ve really pushed me a lot this year and kept me to a high standard.”
Originally from Perth, Warner could not be happier with the move to Sydney.
“The club’s been great to me,” he said. “They’ve given me an opportunity I’ve loved every minute of it. So obviously, it’s great sticking around with boys. I’m stoked.”
Warner’s parents are also pleased that younger brother Corey has come along for the ride.
“I’m not sure if they’re thinking about moving over here but yeah, they’re very happy we’re together. It’s a massive family vibe here and obviously helps us a lot.”
2022 All-Australian team
Backs
Tom Stewart, Geelong
Steven May, Melbourne
Brayden Maynard, Collingwood
Half-backs
Jack Sinclair, St Kilda
Sam Taylor, GWS
Adam Saad, Carlton
Centres
Touk Miller, Gold Coast
Clayton Oliver, Melbourne
Callum Mills, Sydney
Half-forwards
Christian Petracca, Melbourne
Jeremy Cameron, Geelong
Shai Bolton, Richmond
Forwards
Charlie Curnow, Carlton
Tom Hawkins, Geelong(captain)
Tyson Stengle, Geelong
Rucks
Max Gawn, Melbourne
Patrick Cripps, Carlton (vice-captain)
Lachie Neale, Brisbane Lions
Interchange
Mark Blicavs, Geelong
Andrew Brayshaw, Fremantle
Isaac Heeney, Sydney
Connor Rozee, Port Adelaide
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