Sydney Swans ruckman Mike Pyke, midfielder Craig Bird and forward Mitch Morton have all signed new deals with the club this week.

Pyke and Bird have both signed new two-year deals, while Morton extends his tenure at the Swans by a further 12 months.

It’s been a whirlwind journey for Canadian recruit Pyke, who cemented his place in the Swans line-up in 2012, playing the final 18 games of the season, often as the second ruck/forward option alongside Shane Mumford.

The 28-year-old, who is currently travelling across the United States and Canada, told sydneyswans.com.au he was thrilled to have signed on again with the Swans.

“I’m really excited,” Pyke said.

“To be able to come back and defend a premiership is a challenge we’re all looking forward to and I feel privileged to have this opportunity.”

Pyke said he had formed a special bond with those at the Sydney Swans Football Club, and referred to Sydney as his ‘home away from home’.

“Signing a new contract is very important to me,” he said.

“I feel like the Swans are my Australian family. There are so many people that I look up to and feel comfortable to confide in at the club, so to play for a club like this is something that is really special.

“Since my arrival at the club, my number one priority for every session has been to improve. I still feel like I have plenty of development left in me, and hopefully I can add a few more strings to my bow this year.”

Another success story of the Swans 2012 premiership was the timely rise of forward Mitch Morton.

Morton joined the Swans after stints at both West Coast and Richmond and after playing the majority of the season in the Swans reserves side in the NEAFL competition, he was promoted to the senior side in round 21 against the Western Bulldogs.

Despite being left out of the Swans’ final-round clash with Geelong, Morton returned for the Qualifying Final win against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, and held his spot for the remainder of the team’s finals campaign, including the Grand Final victory.

Morton kicked four goals in the Swans’ three finals, including a two-goal burst in the second quarter of the decider against Hawthorn.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, the 25-year-old said he could not wait to get back on the track for the 2013 season.

“I’m just absolutely pumped to be a part of the club again in 2013,” Morton said.

“I’m working hard now to ensure I can have more of an impact throughout the home and away season in 2013.

“I’m extremely happy to have secured another contract with the Swans and it has certainly topped off what has been a very special year.”

A product of the New South Wales system, Craig Bird has also committed to the Swans after playing every game in 2012 to take his career tally to 87 games.

The 23-year-old was one of the team’s most consistent performers this year and showed plenty of improvement on field to finish in ninth place in the club’s Bob Skilton Medal count.

Bird said he is excited by what his future at the Sydney Swans holds.

“I’m obviously very happy to re-sign with the club for another two years," Bird told sydneyswans.com.au.

“It has been a great footy club to be a part of for the last few years and I am really excited for the next two years to come.

“I think the future is looking pretty bright at the Swans and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.”

Sydney Swans General Manager - Football, Dean Moore said it was great to have three premiership players all re-commit to the Swans.

“Mike has come a long way in the last four years and we are looking forward to seeing where he can get to in the next year and beyond,” Moore said.

“He has still only played 46 senior matches so there is no doubt he will keep on improving.

“Mitch had some things he needed to work on during the year and it took some time for him to work his way into the senior team, but once he got his opportunity late in the season he really grabbed it with both hands.

“Craig had some injury issues over the last few years so it was great to see him have an uninterrupted season and play some really important roles for us.”