AFL news 2023: Joel Amartey re-signs for three years with Sydney Swans

The Swans have locked in a key part of their post-Buddy Franklin plans with Joel Amartey signing a three-year extension.

The 23-year-old is coming off a strong four-goal game as Sydney demolished the West Coast Eagles by 171 points.

Amartey was picked up in the 2018 Rookie draft and has had to bide his time at the Swans. He made one appearance in 2020 before playing six games in each of the past two seasons.

The forward finally cracked Sydney’s best 22 this year, however, another hamstring injury during Gather Round put him on the sidelines again.

Amartey has shown great resilience in his ability to bounce back from serious injuries and has had some experienced mentors in premiership players like Franklin and Sam Reid to help hone his craft.

“They have been great players to learn from, along with the likes of Heeney and Papley as well,” said Amartey.

“The last couple of years to play a bit more senior footy has been really good, and I’m feeling comfortable now and better for the experience.

‘These boys have become like my brothers and the coaches and staff have been wonderful for my first six years here, I just love this place.”

With Franklin set to retire at the end of this year, Amartey’s re-signing provides an idea of how the Swans’ 2024 forward line will shape up.

Amartey and Logan McDonald are both contracted long-term, while the club is working on a new deal for fellow tall, Hayden McLean.

Mid-season draftee Jack Buller is set to be another option after extending his deal earlier this month.

The quartet are all in the vicinity of two metres and are set to be the next generation of Sydney’s aerial threat inside 50.

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“We see Joel as an important part of our forward set-up in the years ahead,” said Sydney’s GM of Football, Charlie Gardiner.

“Joel has taken some great strides in his development over the past two seasons and while we think there is still plenty of improvement in his game, he has shown that he has the attributes to be a dangerous key forward at AFL level.

“[We] look forward to seeing what he can help our young group achieve together.”

Originally published as Sydney Swans re-sign forward Joel Amartey as they prepare for life after Buddy Franklin

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