TWO of the Sydney Swans rising stars, Kieren Jack and Heath Grundy, have signed new deals that will keep them at the Club until at least the end of 2013.
The Club is delighted to have secured two of its most exciting young players on three year contracts.
General Manager - Football, Dean Moore, said they were both talented players who are moving into the prime of their careers.
“We are delighted that Kieren and Heath have re-committed to the Club for the next three years,’’ Moore said.
“Both boys were in the top 10 in our best and fairest award last year. The Club believes it is very important to retain our good players and we are thrilled they want to stay here at the Swans.’’
The Club is delighted to have secured two of its most exciting young players on three year contracts.
General Manager - Football, Dean Moore, said they were both talented players who are moving into the prime of their careers.
“We are delighted that Kieren and Heath have re-committed to the Club for the next three years,’’ Moore said.
“Both boys were in the top 10 in our best and fairest award last year. The Club believes it is very important to retain our good players and we are thrilled they want to stay here at the Swans.’’
Jack, 23, is playing the best football of his career. A gutsy midfielder who initially played tagging roles, he has shown he also has the ability to be a damaging attacking player for the Swans and kick goals at crucial times.
Jack is Sydney born and bred, and is thrilled to be staying at the Club he grew up watching as a teenager, after taking up Australian football at school.
“The Sydney Swans gave me a start and they are the main reason why I decided to play footy. They gave me my first opportunity at senior footy so I owe it to the Club to stay here and hopefully build something for the future,’’ Jack said.
Jack said he believed the team had a promising period ahead.
“We saw in the last off-season, with the traded players and recruits that we picked up, that there is obviously a bright future ahead of us.
“It’s going to be sad to see older players like Brett Kirk go, but it’s exciting that there is a young group coming through and we want to build a successful future for ourselves,’’ he said.
Jack has played 64 games since making his debut in 2007. He came to the Swans in the rookie draft at the end of 2006 and was elevated to the senior list the following season.
In another tick for the Sydney Swans’ development program, Grundy has also come off the Club’s rookie list and become a key defender for the team.
Grundy, 24, has played 63 games for the Club. He is from South Australia and was rookie-listed by the Swans in 2005.
After starting his career at the Swans as a forward, he has established himself as a tight-marking defender who is strong in the air. Last year he won the Club’s Dennis Carroll Trophy for Most Improved Player.
Grundy said he was rapt to secure a three year deal.
“I want to play in Sydney for as long as I can so I was very happy to sign for the next three years,’’ Grundy said.
“There are exciting times ahead for the Club. Kieren is around my age as well so we’ve sort of grown up here together, and it’s great to know we’re both committed to the Swans.
“I took a couple of seasons to get going. It was three or four years before I got a regular game but going into defence has been a good thing for me and I’m really enjoying my footy.
“I’ve had some big jobs on key forwards this year, but there are a few to go yet this season so I’m looking forward to that,’' Grundy said.
BUY TICKETS to see the Sydney Swans take on Geelong on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium
Everything you need to know about Saturday's game is just a click away. READ MORE for news on transport, parking, entertainment, activities for the kids and much more...
