Sydney Swans duo Will Hayward and Oliver Florent have become the latest young guns to commit their futures to the club.
Hayward has signed a four-year contract extension and Florent two years, tying them to Sydney until at least the end of 2024 and 2022 respectively.
The pair were recruited by Sydney with its first two selections at the 2016 AFL Draft.
The Swans secured fleet-footed midfielder Florent first with their 11th pick before snaring speedy forward Hayward with selection 21.
Sydney Head of Football Charlie Gardiner says it’s exciting to have the pair locked in.
“We’re delighted that Will and Ollie have recommitted to the club,” Gardiner said.
“Will and Ollie are both outstanding young men and an important part of our young group.
“They have both played some high quality football early on in their careers and we see them as an integral part of the Club’s next era of success.”
The pair didn’t have to wait long to make their AFL debuts, with Florent breaking through in Round 1, 2017 and Hayward the following week.
They have both gone on to play 53 AFL games, with Hayward booting 62 goals and Florent providing plenty of dash on a wing and in the midfield.
Late last year, Hayward became the 11th-youngest player of the AFL era to kick 50 career goals, and the youngest since teammate Lance Franklin in 2006.
Hayward and Florent join a host of teammates to commit to the Club in 2019 including Harry Cunningham, Colin O’Riordan, Callum Sinclair, Jordan Dawson, Nick Blakey, James Rowbottom, Justin McInerney and Harry Reynolds, along with coach John Longmire.
Statistics
Will Hayward
DOB: October 26, 1998
Draft history: Pick 21, 2016 AFL Draft
Recruited from: North Adelaide
Games: 53
Goals: 62
Guernsey No. 9
Oliver Florent
DOB: July 22, 1998
Draft history: Pick 11, 2016 AFL Draft
Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Games: 53
Goals: 19
Guernsey No. 13
Swans Rising Star 2018
