Hard working utility Ryan Clarke and emerging key defender Will Gould have both signed one-year contract extensions to remain in the red and white for the 2023 season.

Clarke came to the Swans at the end of 2019 and this year developed into an important part of the senior side, playing a defensive forward role, and shutting down some of the league’s best ball-getters.

The 25-year-old played 14 games in 2022, including the Grand Final, and gathered a season high 17 disposals against Collingwood in the Round 22 win over the Pies.

Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – Football, Charlie Gardiner, said Clarke’s one-year contract is a reward for his hard work.

“Ryan has shown this year that he can play a very important role for the team, he works incredibly hard and displays total commitment to the side which we love,” Gardiner said.

“He’s a quality young man and has shown great resilience over his career to date. We are looking forward to where he can take his game from here,” Gardiner said.

Meanwhile Gould, who was named the Sydney Swans VFL Player of the Year, played in 20 games in the second-tier competition this season, averaging 19 disposals and holding the back six together well.

The 21-year-old was taken by the Swans at pick 26 in the 2019 AFL National Draft, and has shown great promise, despite not managing to debut at AFL level.

“Will’s development has been solid as a key defender and we believe he has a good future at the Swans,” said Gardiner.

“We are looking forward to seeing what Will can produce in 2023. He’s worked hard on his game over the last three years and was one of our most consistent performers at VFL level this season, so we are pleased that he has recommitted to the club.”