Out-of-contract Hawthorn defender Jai Serong has nominated the Sydney Swans as his preferred new home, per AFL Media's Callum Twomey, turning down strong interest from North Melbourne and Fremantle to go north of the Victorian border in 2026.

Serong had been heavily pursued by Fremantle, with senior coach Justin Longmuir meeting with the 21-year-old last week in a bid to lure him out west, using Serong's family connections as a ploy to persuade him.

However, it appears Jai is not interested in playing alongside his brother Caleb, and will instead join the Swans in the hopes of greater senior level opportunities.

Serong presents as a value option for the Swans to bolster their defensive stocks and will look to provide Sydney's key defensive duo of Nick Blakey and Tom McCartin with assistance off half-back.

Serong has lacked opportunity at Hawthorn, featuring in just 10 games since being drafted in 2021, and played exclusively in the VFL in 2025, ultimately making the 2025 VFL Team of the Year.

However, in five AFL appearances in 2024, Serong demonstrated his capabilities in the back 50, laying 2.6 tackles per game and competing well aerially, averaging a handful of marks and spoils per game.

He was also Box Hill's best and fairest winner in 2024, highlighting the level of untapped potential he possesses.