Sydney forward Joel Amartey has turned down reported rival interest to pen a new three-year extension with the Swans, remaining at the club until the end of the 2026 season.
Amartey was due to come off-contract at the end of this year after last re-signing with the Swans in 2021 on a two-year deal.
The athletic forward-ruck hybrid was believed to be in St Kilda's sights last year and expected to gain more attention given his expiring contract status in 2023, however the Beaumaris junior has turned down any chance of a return to his home state in favour of sticking with the Swans for the coming years.
Sydney confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Amartey had signed a new deal until 2026, with the 23-year-old expressing his delight in being able to continue in the red and white.
โIt's unbelievable, these boys have become like my brothers and the coaches and staff have been wonderful for my first six years here, I just love this place,โ Amartey said.
โBud (Lance Franklin) and Reidy (Sam Reid) have been great players to learn from, along with the likes of Heeney and Papley as well โ everyone's been great to work with.
โThe last couple of years to play a bit more senior footy has been really good, and I'm feeling comfortable now and better for the experience. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can build together in the years ahead.โ
Amartey has played 20 games for the Swans since making his debut in 2020 against Brisbane in the club's final game of the season.
This year Amartey has played seven matches at AFL level, with a serious hamstring injury keeping him off the field between Rounds 5 and 13. The forward's 2023 campaign is currently bookended by two four-goal hauls - coming in Round 2 against Hawthorn and recently against West Coast.
โJoel has taken some great strides in his development over the past two seasons and while we think there is still plenty of improvement in his game, he has shown that he has the attributes to be a dangerous key forward at AFL level,โ Swans football boss Charlie Gardiner said.
โHe is a popular member of our squad and has had to deal with some injury setbacks over his journey, so we are all very pleased to see him now getting some reward for the hard work and perseverance he has shown.โ
โWe see Joel as an important part of our forward set up in the years ahead and look forward to seeing what he can help our young group achieve together.โ
Amartey is expected to face Geelong at the SCG this Friday night as the Swans look to make a push for a finals spot in the home stretch.
