Sydney Swans Head of List Strategy and Player Personnel Chris Keane has admitted the club has been "caught off guard" by young forward Jack Buller's supposed desire to be traded to Collingwood, as well as Will Hayward's openness to being involved in a Charlie Curnow trade.
Buller informed Collingwood he wishes to join the club after two-and-a-half years and 10 games at the Swans, with the Magpies looking to replace Brody Mihocek, who is likely to depart to Melbourne via a trade.
Keane said Sydney are disappointed to see Buller depart, stating they had tabled the 22-year-old a strong deal for 2026.
"Jack caught us off guard a bit. We had no indication he was looking at a move," Keane told AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday.
"We understand his intention is to get to Collingwood. We will see how that one goes throughout this period.
"We did everything we could have and we had a compelling offer on the table. We are disappointed about it."
Hayward admitted last week that while his preference is to remain at Sydney, having penned a five-year extension last year, he is open to being traded in the Charlie Curnow deal, given his talks with the club before he recommitted to the Swans.
However, Keane has denied rumours that Hayward would be involved in a potential package for the two-time Coleman medallist.
"Will Hayward is contracted for 4 more years, and he will see out that contract. There is not much in those rumours to be honest," Keane said.
Midfielder James Rowbottom has also been floated as a potential element in a trade for Curnow, who listed the Swans as one of his preferred trade destinations as he seeks an exit from the Melbourne footy bubble, but Keane assured Rowbottom would not be dealt while under contract.
"We have had no indication about James Rowbottom wanting to leave," Keane said.
"He's contracted for 3 more years; we expect him to be here for that period. We understand the nature of this time of year."
Keane also revealed the Swans won't pursue a pair of Demons premiership stars who have been told by Melbourne to explore trades elsewhere, with Steven May, Clayton Oliver and delisted Bulldog Liam Jones far from the top of their priority list.
"We are pretty content [with our defence]. We won't be going down that path to be honest," Keane said.
"We haven't met with Clayton Oliver. It would be unlikely that we will also go down that path."
The 2025 AFL Trade Period concludes on October 15.
