‘We can do anything’: Warner signs to remain a Swan
Steve Larkin and Joanna Guelas |
Chad Warner says the potential to achieve AFL greatness with Sydney far outweighed the pull to return to his West Australian home.
The star midfielder will remain with the Swans for another two years after rejecting multi-million dollar offers from WA clubs.
He has signed until the end of 2027, when he will qualify for free agency.
Warner says it was returning to his Perth home to play Fremantle in round two that was the catalyst for his decision.
Helping his side to their first win of the season with a star performance in the engine room, the 23-year-old passionately tugged at his guernsey after the final siren against the Dockers.
“I’ve always said the whole time, I was pretty 50-50,” Warner said on Thursday.
“When we went back, played Freo, and I had about a week there in Perth – when I came back here, that was the moment.
“Like anyone going through this process, they’d always have that pull (to go home).
“There was a big part of me that did want to go back.
“But then, I think the part of me that wanted to stay here was even bigger.
“That overweighed in the end, and I’m very excited and happy about my decision.”
Warner was being courted heavily by West Coast and the Dockers, who were understood to have tabled a long-term offer.
But the 91-gamer elected to stay in Sydney.
“This team can achieve more than any other team in the comp can,” Warner said.
“I’ve so much confidence in us. The list and how good our list is, is probably a big reason I did sign here.
“We have some of the best culture – and probably the best team in the comp.
“When we’re firing, I think we can do anything.”
After winning his first All-Australian blazer last season, Warner’s decision is welcome relief for Dean Cox in his first year as Sydney coach.
Cox had always expressed quiet confidence his star would reject the WA offers.
With his contract settled, Warner hopes to spark the Swans from their 2-4 start to the season.
“I used the contract as a massive motivator at the start of the season,” he said.
“Coming back from Perth, not having as much of that noise and deciding what I wanted to do, I think maybe the last couple of games have affected me in that way – not having the motivation as much.”
“It’s good we can put that to bed and just play footy and win from here.”
The Swans took Warner with pick 39 at the 2019 national draft.
His recommitment follows his younger brother Corey earlier inking a two-year contract extension with the Swans.
AAP
