Swans star Parker not focused on contract speculation
Experienced Sydney star Luke Parker has declined to weigh in on speculation surrounding his future at the AFL premiership favourites.
The former Swans captain has found form at the right end of the season, playing a key role in last Friday night's win against Essendon that all but secured Sydney the minor premiership.
Just days before the game, Parker, 31, was subject to a report claiming he was "open to exploring a move" to another club next year.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson even mentioned Parker, along with the likes of Melbourne's Jack Viney, during a radio interview last Friday when discussing the type of experienced player the Kangaroos need to help develop their young list.
Parker said he was simply focusing on Sydney's finals push as he tries to add a second premiership to the one he won with the Swans back in 2012.
"I'm just enjoying playing at the moment," Parker told AAP.
"I've had a long year with a broken arm at the start, and then suspended for a while.
"I'm just taking every opportunity I can at the moment and just enjoying my footy."
When asked directly if he would be at the Swans next year, Parker replied: "At the moment, I'm contracted, so we'll see".
Parker signed a four-year extension in 2021, tying him to Sydney until the end of 2025.
Swans coach John Longmire was also in no mood to discuss the three-time Bob Skilton medallist's future.
"No, let’s enjoy the moment," Longmire said on Friday.
"(Parker) has played well the last couple of weeks, he’s been terrific.
"I just like the way he’s used his forward craft, he’s done a great job the last couple of weeks."
Parker broke his arm during Sydney's pre-season win against GWS, and was not available for selection for the first seven games of the season.
The midfielder was forced to play in the VFL team when he was fit.
But Parker had another stint on the sidelines when he was suspended for six weeks for a bump on Frankston's Josh Smith.
He has featured in every game since returning to the senior team for Sydney's round-18 match against North Melbourne, being used increasingly more as a forward.
"I was bit nowhere the first half (against Essendon), but got going in the second half and got on the end of a few, which was nice," Parker said.
"I'm working with a few young boys down there and trying to build the energy and have some fun."
Since debuting in 2011, Parker has played 289 games for the Swans - the fifth-most in club history.