Chad Warner has revealed how a phone call from his manager on the eve of the 2019 AFL Draft suggested he could have landed at either the Sydney Swans or GWS.
Warner, who was taken with pick no.39 at the National Draft, has enjoyed a meteoric rise to stardom in recent years, cementing himself as one of the premier players in the competition.
As the 23-year-old prepares for Sydney Derby XXX on Sunday, the electric midfielder revealed he was preparing to be drafted by one of the Sydney clubs all those years ago.
"I think getting drafted is one of the better memories you have - that is probably the best day of your life at the time," Warner said on More than Footy.
"I actually thought it (the Draft selection) was going to be later, but the day before my manager called me and said it could be 'either' of the Sydney teams, actually."
Warner made his debut in Round 6 of the 2020 season against Richmond, and has since played in two Grand Finals and earned a maiden All Australian jumper in 2024.
Such was the magnitude of his contract speculation, Warner said he embraced the media interest, and spoke of a conversation with CEO Tom Harley that ultimately made his decision clear.
"I probably was right on the fence of what I wanted to do (earlier in the year), so I needed a genuine bit of time to make the decision," Warner said.
"That Fremantle game (in Round 2) was when I was leaning this way (to re-sign) a bit more. Then when I came back from Perth I saw Tom Harley and after speaking to him - that was the moment.
"I (also) had a meeting in February, and the stuff they were able to put in place from there for myself, Alice and my family, I honestly didn't know it was possible, to be honest.
"The faith they showed by doing that and how quick they got onto things was a big one for me."
While Warner had comfort in his decision and is grateful for the club's commitment to him and his family, he lauded the response from his teammates and the love they showed when the announcement was made.
"I was stoked to see the players were happy...but I was just very proud that I have been able to gain these great friendships that I have over the years," Warner said.
"To have people that do care about you so much, that was the thing I was very happy about"
The Swans will host GWS on Sunday at the SCG at 1:10pm and look to claim their first victory since Round 4.
