Swan champion Jarrad McVeigh's future in doubt

The Sydney Swans champion and former captain's future with the harbour side club is in doubt, coming out of contract at years' end.

Despite great form and a considerable influence on the backline, especially their return to form after round 6, McVeigh has yet to sign an extension with the club.

More recently Sporting News suggested the former captain could seek pastures anew, with an opportunity to move into coaching once his career ended.

While retirement is an option, one you would think he'd only entertain if the Swans won another grand final, his form, contribution and influence is still as good as it has ever been, now that he's healthy and fit again.

TPP changes announced this season could be another factor worth considering, since the transitional $400,000 veterans allowance must be included in the salary cap.

Quite what pressure this puts on the Swans isn't yet known, but with many players recommitting to the Swans this season, as well as Kurt Tippett extending his contract on reduced terms in the off-season, there's bound to be some pressure, given Jarrad McVeigh would have been in the upper echelons of earnings at the Swans.

Perhaps the impending birth of another child has given him pause, and it would be a bit of stretch to expect the family to pack up and leave for another club, even if it's just for one more season.

Nothing is certain these days, with Zak Jones and Sam Reid recommitting to the club this week, despite keen and prolonged interest from Victorian clubs, joining a long list of Swans that have signed extensions this season, including Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills, Will Hayward, Oliver Florent, Jordan Dawson, Lewis Melican and Darcy Cameron.

The rumour since the start of the season has been that he's looking for a contract similar to Sam Mitchell, at least 1 or 2 more years playing, then transitioning into a development, or assistant coach role.

Recently Alastair Lynch wrote an open letter in the Courier Mail, espousing the virtues and benefits of the developing Brisbane Lions team, and just what sort of development and coaching future he could be involved in.

The reason for my note is that I’ve recently heard you are keen to play on next year and there’s been speculation you may be squeezed out at the Swans as they continue to develop a successful list.

If things don’t go to plan at the Swans, I feel you should consider a move to Brisbane.

You’ll always be an icon of the Sydney Swans but I think the Brisbane Lions can help you transition into life off the field and there is no doubt you could play a key role in launching our next successful era.

It's not such a bad idea, and something that I genuinely hope the Swans are considering, given the way he's played.

It would be mad to let him go if he's still contributing and performing at a high level, when all money on him this year was it being his last.

Given his recovery from injuries that typically cruel and end careers of ageing sports players, he's certainly earned an extension, at the Swans or elsewhere.

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Justin Mitchell

Justin is a passionate AFL and Sydney Swans supporter, and football blogger since 2016. All articles are of his own opinion. You can reach him by twitter and Facebook at @theswansblog

Melbourne, Australia https://theswansblog.com

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