Sam Reid will play on into a twelfth season with the Sydney Swans, with the versatile forward agreeing to a 1-year contract extension for 2022.
After a challenging 2021 which included a significant stint on the sidelines due to a calf injury, Reid managed 10 games for the season, booting six goals.
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – Football, Charlie Gardiner said it was great to have the experienced Reid continue on in 2022.
“Sam’s flexibility to play a variety of roles for us is really valuable. He brings experience and leadership to our younger players and with a better run of luck with injury, we believe he can be an important player for us next season,” Gardiner said.
Small forward Ben Ronke and defender Barry O’Connor have also signed 1-year contract extensions until the end of 2022.
Gardiner said that after a challenging run with injuries, he hoped to see Ronke return to his best form.
“Ben is an exciting forward who at his best brings great pressure, speed and hardness. He has had a really challenging run of injuries, but he is only 23-years-old and we are confident that with some continuity in his training, he can make an impact once again at senior level,” says Gardiner.
Irishman Barry O’Connor will enter his third year at the club, and Gardiner is confident an uninterrupted year will allow the defender to excel.
“It’s been a whirlwind couple of years for Barry, arriving to the bushfires, having the season postponed in 2021 before enduring another Covid-interrupted season this year. Through all that he has shown great resilience and continued to work hard on his craft. We look forward to seeing how he can further develop his skillset and push for senior selection.”
Gardiner also confirmed that Lewis Taylor would be moved to the rookie list, to provide the club additional flexibility in the upcoming NAB AFL Draft. The decision will see Taylor delisted in Friday’s list lodgement, but added to the rookie-list ahead of the 2022 season. Gardiner thanked Taylor for his support and confirmed the move will have no impact on his opportunities to play senior football in 2022.
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