Sydney veteran Jarrd McVeigh has ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a one-year contract extension with the Swans.
McVeigh was reportedly set to leave the Swans at season's end in search for one more year of football elsewhere, but put all of that talk to bed on Tuesday night after signing on for the 2018 season.
“I’m proud to say that I’ve signed on and I’ll be able to run out with the boys for another year,” McVeigh told sydneyswans.com.au.
“It’s exciting to have another year as a Sydney Swans player ahead of me, but also to be able to continue working with the younger players coming through.
“We’ve got some really exciting young talent and they’re only going to get better – I’m rapt to have the opportunity to continue helping them along the way.”
The 32-year-old will now certainly play his 300th AFL game in Sydney colours, and could do it as early as the semi-final in two weeks' time should the Swans beat Essendon on Saturday and avoid elimination.
A premiership player, All-Australian and Sydney's co-captain from 2011-2016, the defender will move into a coaching role at the Swans post his career, although an announcement on his 2019 plans will not come until late next season.
“We are extremely happy to announce that Jarrad will be continuing his playing career at the Swans in 2018,” Sydney's Head of Football Tom Harley told the club's website.
“Jarrad’s on-field contribution to the team during the second half of the season has been significant whilst maintaining his leadership excellence as a key member of our leadership group.
“The Club and Jarrad have been in constant dialogue during the season about his future both in a playing sense and also post-football.
“To that point, we are also delighted that Jarrad has committed to transitioning into a coaching role at Sydney post his playing career.
“Jarrad is a premiership captain, dual Club Champion and a great custodian of the Swans and we are rapt to have secured him as part of our future.”
The veteran has played 11 games so far in 2017, and has averaged 18.3 disposals, five marks, 2.5 tackles and 2.5 rebound 50s per game.
