Carlton is leading the race to secure Sydney Swans’ free agent Will Hayward, with clubs eyeing out-of-contract Blues forward Jack Martin as a potential trade target due to salary cap constraints at Ikon Park.
Martin, at the end of a front-loaded five-year deal, has attracted interest from several clubs, including interstate teams. Carlton’s senior players have indicated a willingness to defer payments or adjust contracts to allow the club flexibility in pursuing players like Hayward.
Hayward, a restricted free agent, is in the top 25% of Sydney’s earners this year due to a back-loaded deal, potentially making it challenging for the Swans to match offers from rivals, including Carlton, Adelaide, and Melbourne.
While Hayward’s departure from the Swans is not certain, rival clubs are aware of his contract situation and have pursued him. The Swans have offered improved terms, but clubs like Adelaide could potentially outbid Carlton and Sydney.
If Hayward were to leave, he is open to a move to Melbourne and playing for a premiership-contending team. Despite facing salary cap pressures, the Swans have recently re-signed key players, including Errol Gulden, Isaac Heeney, James Rowbottom, and Ollie Florent, with negotiations ongoing with key forward Logan McDonald.
If Hayward leaves, Sydney could receive free-agency draft compensation. However, the exact compensation amount is uncertain due to the increased salary cap in 2024.
Martin, who has been selected to play his first game of the season against Melbourne, has been an important player for Carlton but has faced injury setbacks since joining the club from Gold Coast.
In other news, the Western Bulldogs have confirmed a two-year contract extension for key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, worth approximately $1 million per year. Ugle-Hagan was the No.1 draft pick in 2020.
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