The Sydney Swans remain confident star midfielder Luke Parker will sign a new long-term deal.

Parker is out of contract at the end of the 2016 season with negotiations already underway on a new deal.

“We’re really confident that Luke will be with us for a really long time,” General Manager of Football Tom Harley said.

“He’s an integral part of our future going forward so we’re hopeful that something gets bowled over pretty shortly.

“He’s exactly the type of player you want at your club.”

A Bob Skilton Medallist at 21, Parker’s instinctive traits as a leader both on and off the field was solidified when the now 23-year-old was voted in the Swans’ leadership group.

The youngest player to do so.

“On the field he’s ruthless and competitive and off the field he really drives the troops,” Harley said.

“When you’re talking about the age makeup of your list he’s in that bracket where we’ve had a fantastic leaders in Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Josh Kennedy and these sorts of players.

“Luke’s that next one to bridge that gap, before we get to the young ones like Callum Mills and Isaac Heeney.”

Harley also confirmed star forward Lance Franklin remained on track for the Swans’ Round 1 clash against Collingwood on March 26.