Sydney coach John Longmire says Will Hayward is shaping up to be a crucial cog in their premiership campaign after the gun forward inked a five-year contract extension.
South Australian product Hayward on Tuesday has turned his back on free agency to remain with the Swans until at least the end of 2029.
The in-demand forward reportedly attracted huge offers from Carlton, Adelaide and Port Adelaide - offers he has now knocked back.
"We're absolutely thrilled. We were always confident but until you actually get the deal done, you're not 100 per cent certain so it's fantastic for the football club," Longmire said on Tuesday.
"We can understand the interest that he had. We were really confident because he wanted to stay.
"His football this year has been fantastic. His impact around the ball has been big.
"We see his chase downs and things like that that he regularly does during the course of the games which really helps with our team.
"He's got that unique ability to go to chase, tackle, take marks, to get on the scoreboard and so all those combinations are highly valued."
Stepping up to fill the void left following legendary forward Lance Franklin's retirement, Hayward has been instrumental in the ladder-leading Swans' surge as premiership favourites.
The 25-year-old has slotted 22 goals across 11 games, including two separate four-goal hauls, to contribute to their 10-1 record and become the club's leading goalkicker this season.
Hayward has kicked 181 majors in 148 games since being drafted with pick No.21 in the 2016 draft.
"Since I was drafted the Swans have been great to me and my family, and I’m so happy that I will be here at the club for the long term," Hayward said.
"I feel extremely lucky that the club has put its faith in me, and our team feels we’re on the right path, so I can’t wait to get stuck in and try to achieve more success here in Sydney.
"We feel we’re in a really good position to launch for the second half of the season and I’m excited about what we could produce over the next few years."
His re-signing comes after defender Ollie Florent, drafted in the same year as Hayward, also opted out of exploring unrestricted free agency in favour of a similar deal in May.
The Swans, having already locked down stars Errol Gulden and James Rowbottom, are now looking to retain forward Logan McDonald.
McDonald, also attracting interest interstate, came out in April to announce his intentions to remain in red and white.
After last weekend's bye, the Swans are preparing to take on Geelong at the SCG on Sunday.
Tom McCartin is expected to play his first game since suffering a concussion in the round-eight derby win over GWS, but captain Callum Mills (shoulder) remains on the sidelines.
