Justin McInerney has inked a new deal with the Swans, committing to the club for an additional four years to take the 21-year-old through to the end of 2026.
Debuting in 2019 after being drafted with pick 44 in the 2018 AFL Draft, the young Swan has played all but two games so far this season after a breakout 2021 following an injury riddled 2020 season.
Earning a second AFL NAB Rising Star nomination last year alongside the Swans' Most Improved Player award, McInerney has become a key part of the new look Swans who have climbed up the ladder after a disappointing few years.
Charlie Gardiner, Sydney's executive general manager of football, praised the contract extension and McInerney's work at the club.
“Justin has impressed us with his hard running and versatility and is developing into an important part of our young midfield group,” Gardiner told The Age.
“He has an excellent feel for the game and is continually learning and working hard to improve.
“Justin is a quality young man and brings a fantastic energy with him wherever he goes, both on and off the field. We’re all looking forward to watching him continue to grow and improve his game in the years ahead.”
With the Swans cruising to a 5-2 start after narrowly losing an elimination final last year to GWS, McInerney said that he was excited over the culture and success building at the club.
“We have a lot of good players, and a lot of good people around us at the club. I never looked anywhere else, it was always the Swans,” McInerney told The Age.
“It’s such an exciting time for our club with our mix of senior leaders and younger guys coming through. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come in the next few years.
“It’s just such a special club to be a part of, we love playing with each other and we love playing for each other. People talk about the Bloods culture, and it rings true. I’m really looking forward to spending the next four years here.”
