SAD NEWS: AFL Trade Buzz: Why Sydney Star Said to Be “Considering a Move” to New…Read More

Deadline: August 31, 2024

Swans Gun has a contract that extends past this year.

Luke Parker, the former captain of Sydney, is supposedly “open to exploring a move” to a new team in the off-season following a 2024 season that was severely disrupted.

Parker is signed on for the upcoming season after choosing not to explore free agency in 2021, opting instead for a four-year extension with the Swans. This contract followed his third best-and-fairest win with Sydney and one of his standout seasons, as the team’s need for his presence increased following the departures of George Hewett and Jordan Dawson from their midfield.

Although Parker has been a key player in Sydney’s quest for a premiership, the 2024 season has been challenging due to his extended injury and suspension. He missed the start of the year with a shoulder injury from pre-season and had to return through the VFL in late April. During his month in the state league, Sydney’s senior team was excelling as the leading contenders for the flag.

In Parker’s fourth game for the Swans’ reserves, he delivered a heavy hit to Frankston player Josh Smith, resulting in a six-game suspension that kept him out until Round 18 of the AFL season.

Upon his return, Parker played as a substitute against North Melbourne, stepping in for the injured Justin McInerney. Since then, Parker has spent much of his time playing outside the midfield due to the strong performances of Isaac Heeney, Errol Gulden, Chad Warner, and James Rowbottom. In his five games back, he has been used as a tactical sub in three of them.

Recently, Parker has become a reliable forward asset, particularly with Tom Papley sidelined due to injury. However, Papley’s potential return from his ankle issue could impact Parker’s position on the team.

According to AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey, Parker is now considering his future with the Swans. Twomey noted, “Luke Parker still has a year left on his contract with Sydney, but he’s open to exploring a move to another club at the end of the season. With his reduced game time and potential impact from Papley’s return, Parker might be on the lookout for a new opportunity. There’s interest, particularly from North Melbourne, who are keen to add experienced players to their roster.”

Recently, Melbourne hard-nut Jack Viney—who is also under contract through 2024—was connected to the Kangaroos.

Parker would be able to guide the team’s budding forward and midfield units and provide Arden Street with his unmatched experience.

Parker has been linked to St Kilda in the past because of his ties to the club locally, but the Saints aren’t expected to spend in a player who is over 30 since they want to focus more on the draft this year.

Parker has played in the AFL for 14 years; in the 12 seasons before this one, he participated in at least 17 games.