The Sydney Swans yesterday announced that they had agreed terms with Callum Sinclair to a two-year contract extension
The 29-year-old, who joined from the West Coast Eagles in 2015 and credits his ever-rising career to his desire to grow his game, will remain a Swan until 2021.
"I'm over the moon," Sinclair said, speaking to Swans TV.
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity the footy club has given me to continue my footy career here for the next 2 years, I've loved every moment I've been here.
"I've got a great relationship with everyone here at the club and I'm looking forward to the next two years.
"I absolutely love coming into work every single day.
"It was never really an option to think of anything else but to play here at the Swans, and I'm extremely grateful to be playing here."
Recruited as a rookie by the West Coast Eagles in 2012, Sinclair has played 59 games for the Swans, for a career total of 88, kicking 54 goals.
He had arguably his career best season in 2018, leading the ruck in Sam Naismith's absence.
Sinclair played all 23 games last year, notching up his 50th career game, averaged 29 hit-outs, 15 disposals, and was presented with the Swans Most Improved Player award.
Swans Head of Football Charlie Gardner was said it was a great result for Callum Sinclair
“We’re really happy that Callum has committed to the club for another two years,” Gardiner said.
“Ever since coming to the Swans, Callum has been an outstanding clubman and an incredibly popular teammate.
“His football has been at a really high standard for a while now, particularly in the past 12 months when he shouldered the primary ruck role for the whole season.
“Cal's started season 2019 in a similar fashion and we look forward to seeing him continue to develop and contribute to the team.”
While 2018 was arguably Sinclair's best season, he first rose to prominence for the Swans with his career-best 5-goal haul against St Kilda in 2017, playing as a full forward.
He recorded an AFL season-best 8 contested marks, 6 of them inside 50 on Jake Carlisle, finishing the match with 10 marks, 19 disposals - 13 contested, and the 3 Brownlow votes.
With Naismith's season-ending ACL injury during the 2018 pre-season, Sinclair found his opportunities in the forward line limited, instead taking full advantage of shouldering the Swans' ruck load.
Sinclair has soared to new heights since his move from the West, and has a burning hunger to do even better than before in 2019.
"Every season you go into, you want to become a better player than the one you were before, using the resources that you have, using all the coaches, using the great players around you to help you along the way," Sinclair said.
"There's a really good support system around me and the playing group are a very talented bunch.
"Every day you learn so much from all the boys."
The 200-cm giant is surround by star talent, joining forces with Sam Reid and Lance Franklin in the forward line, as well as Luke Parker and Josh Kennedy in the midfield for the Swans' season-opening clash against the Western Bulldogs.
It was the young players that lead the way for the Swans, with reigning Club Champion Jake Lloyd the best for the Swans, while Isaac Heeney, Callum Mills, Nick Blakey, Zak Jones and George Hewett impressed.
"We have an extremely young playing group, we've got so much talent here," Sinclair said.
"We set really high standards for ourselves, and so we should, we believe we're up there with one of the best sides in the competition.
"That's a big reason why I want to stay at this footy club, the potential of real success here, and it's something that the whole playing group is really driven for.
The 2019 campaigns marks the fourth year for Callum Sinclair in red-and-white, and is now just 12 games shy of reaching his career ton.
Callum Sinclair statistics
Draft history: Pick 12, 2012 Rookie Draft
Drafted from: Port Melbourne (VFL)/Subiaco (WAFL)
Games: 88 (59 Sydney)
Goals: 54 (36 Sydney)
Swans Awards
2017 Swans Best Clubman
2018 Swans Most Improved
Guernsey No. 18
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