The Sydney Swans have secured the signatures of Robbie Fox, Hayden McLean, James Bell, Joel Amartey and Michael Knoll for season 2020.

Fox, 26, joined the Swans as a mature-aged rookie in 2016 and has since played 24 senior matches.

The Tasmanian has played roles in the forward line, midfield and defence in a big win for the coaching staff.

McLean started season 2019 preparing to play for South Adelaide in the SANFL, but the Swans then swooped on the emerging big man under the AFL’s new pre-season supplementary list rules.

The 20-year-old spent the majority of the season developing in the NEAFL, before getting an opportunity to make his AFL debut in the ruck against Fremantle in Round 18, and playing a further three games.

QBE Sydney Swans Academy graduate Bell this year averaged 20 possessions and six tackles per match in the NEAFL and was rewarded with an AFL debut against Port Adelaide in Round 21.

The Shellharbour local played two senior games and capped his shining season with the inaugural NEAFL Player of the Year award at Sydney’s Club Champion Dinner. 

Up-and-coming ruckman-forward Amartey has been developing his craft in the NEAFL after being secured as a rookie in 2017 from the Sandringham Dragons.

He averaged 13 disposals and nine hit-outs across 20 second-tier games this season, while he also chimed in with 15 goals.

Fellow ruckman Michael Knoll was secured at the mid-season draft after starting the year playing for South Adelaide in the SANFL.

The former US college basketballer played 13 games in the NEAFL, averaging 26 hit-outs and 12 disposals.

Swans Head of Football Charlie Gardiner says it’s exciting to have the five Swans locked in.

“We’re delighted that Robbie, Hayden, James, Joel and Michael will continue their careers with the Swans for at least another year,” Gardiner said.

“Robbie has demonstrated an ability to play a number of roles at senior level and we expect James, Michael, Joel and Hayden to continue to develop and push for more senior opportunities next year.

“They’re all young, exciting, eager to learn and have bright futures ahead of them which is a great result for our football club.”