Sydney Swans co-captain Luke Parker is set to be a Blood for life, after inking a new four-year deal and extending his tenure with the Swans until the end of the 2025 season.
Parker’s re-signing comes off the back of a stellar 2021 season, with the midfielder winning the Bob Skilton Medal for a third time, adding to victories in 2014 and 2017.
The 28-year-old has played 235 games since joining the Swans with pick 40 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft. He was a member of the 2012 premiership team and has played in a total of 19 finals with the Swans.
A model of consistency, Parker has placed in the top-10 of the Club Champion count for nine consecutive seasons, including top-3 finishes in all of the past five years.
In 2019, Parker was appointed co-captain, alongside Josh Kennedy and Dane Rampe.
Sydney Swans Executive General Manager - Football, Charlie Gardiner said he was delighted to have Parker re-commit to the club.
“I know all of the Swans community, including players, staff and our members, will be thrilled to have Luke commit to the club,” he said.
“Luke has been one of the players setting the standards for our group for a long time now.
“He leads by example, on and off the field, epitomises the culture of our club, and continues to show the way for our young players.
“It is testament to his professionalism that Luke has been able to consistently perform at a high level throughout his career, recording top-3 finishes in the Club Champion in each of the last five seasons.
“He was an outstanding contributor for us in 2021 and we are confident in his ability to drive our group forward for the next four seasons,” Gardiner said.
Parker said he was honoured in the show of faith from the club and excited for the future.
“I absolutely love the club and I wanted to be part of the long term and really drive the group through this next period,” he said.
“I’m really excited about what the future looks like. We have a great group and we have taken some big steps forward this year.
“The group we’ve got coming through is so exciting. We’ve got some young guys who are just starting out in their careers and you ride the bumps with them, you ride the exciting times with them, and it’s such good fun.
After two seasons of Covid-19 impacted crowds, Parker said he was excited for the prospect of fans returning to the stands in 2022.
“There is no better place than the SCG when it’s packed out and rocking.
“I know it’s been a tough year for the members and fans but we can’t thank them enough for the support and the love we have felt while we were on the road. We can’t wait to get back in front of the red and white fans."
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