The Sydney Swans have secured the signatures of Laura Gardiner and Brenna Tarrant, with both players committing to the club long term.

Midfielder Gardiner will remain in the red and white for a further four years until the end of 2027 season, while Tarrant has re-committed for another two seasons. 

Gardiner has been an exceptional addition to the club, dominating in her inaugural season to win the Sydney Swans AFLW Club champion award.

Winning the club’s highest individual honour capped off a stellar year of achievements for Gardiner, who also earned her first All-Australian blazer and finished second in the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year.

The 20-year-old featured in all 12 games for the Sydney Swans, finishing second in the league for disposals and tackles, averaging 29 and nine respectively. 

03:23

Bleeding red and white: Stars commit long-term

In a major boost for the future of the Sydney Swans AFLW team, Laura Gardiner and Brenna Tarrant have committed long-term and spoke of their sheer love for the club, their team-mates, and Bloods family.

Gardiner admitted committing to the club was an easy decision to make.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” said Gardiner.

“I loved my first year, I learnt a lot and grew a lot throughout the season, I think we all did.

“I’m really excited for another year of growth. We have a really good pathway that we want to follow, and I’m really excited at where we can go.”

  

02:29

2023 AFLW Club Champion recap

A recap of our 2023 AFLW Club Champion, which saw Laura Gardiner win the coveted award in her first season in the red and white.

22-year-old Tarrant took her game to a new level, and her efforts were recognised when she was awarded the Swans’ Best Player in Finals. Tarrant took seven marks under immense pressure in Sydney’s Elimination final and Semi Final appearance.

Tarrant is thrilled to be staying at the club, admitting she never saw herself wearing any other colours.

“This means a lot to not only to me but to my family too,” said Tarrant.

“I like to think I bleed red and white, my whole family supports them. We wore the Swans guernsey’s to school growing up, I can’t believe I get to wear these colours for another two years.”

Following a year of significant growth, Tarrant is excited to see what 2024 brings both personally and for the team. 

“From last year to this year it’s, been a huge roller coaster. The way we have been able to turn ourselves around and play some great footy this year, you can only be excited for what’s to come for this team and I really want to be a part of it and be around these girls as long as I can.”

03:50

2023 AFLW Club Champion - Laura Gardiner

Hear from our AFLW Club Champion winner Laura Gardiner

Sydney Swans Executive General Manager – AFLW, Kate Mahony said the club is delighted to have both Tarrant and Gardiner stay in Sydney. 

“Both Laura and Brenna are two players that have excelled both on and off the field in 2023, and it’s great to see both commit to the club” said Mahony.

“Laura worked tirelessly to take her game in the midfield to a new level, and to come second in the entire league for disposals and tackles is evidence of that.

“It has been fantastic to see the improvement in Brenna’s game this year. She became a defensive brick wall for us in 2023, regularly stopping opposition momentum under immense pressure.”

“We look forward to seeing what both Laura and Brenna can do in the red and white in the years to come.”

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Laura and Brenna have re-signed so now it's your time! Join the club by becoming a member in 2024.