AFL
TRADE NEWS: Another unexpected departure “feels very wrong” and “will really hurt Swans fans” after GF trade request…
Sydney champion Luke Parker has requested a trade away from the club, just four days after his side’s comprehensive Grand Final defeat to the Brisbane Lions.
The Swans on Wednesday confirmed Parker, who turns 32 later this month, had requested to be traded to the North Melbourne after 293 games across 14 seasons.
The veteran midfielder is contracted to Sydney until the end of 2025, so any move to the Kangaroos will have to be done via a trade during the AFL exchange period.
Parker was part of the Swans’ 2012 premiership side and has played in the club’s past four straight Grand Finals. He claimed three best and fairest awards, was named All-Australian in 2014 and was co-captain of the club from 2019 to 2023.
“Coming to Sydney as a 19-year-old completely changed my life. Sydney became my home, I met my wife Kate here and the Swans became our family,” Parker said.
“The decision to part ways with the club after 14 years has been an extremely difficult choice, one I thought I’d never have to make. My most valued memories have been forged here, alongside a group of teammates who have become like brothers, and with fans who have shown me more love than I could have ever imagined deserving.
“The Sydney Swans will always hold a special place for my family and I.”
Swans coach John Longmire said Parker would be remembered as a club great.
“Parks has been an absolute pleasure to coach since he walked into this club all those years ago,” Longmire said.
“He has been one of the hardest and most competitive players we’ve had and his resilience and ability to keep backing up, time after time, is something I always admired.
“His footy CV is up there with some of the all-time greats. He is a Premiership player, three time best and fairest and is as a Swans champion and fan favourite.”
Parker’s former teammate Dan Hannebery backed the decision.
“I think it was a really great statement,” Hannebery said on AFL Trade Radio.
“The way he encapsulated his career and what the club means to him. I mentioned to him yesterday, he has been an outstanding servant of the club, heart and soul, just a warrior.
“Most people would have loved for him to have played his 300th game at Sydney, be a one-club player, he probably would have wanted to do that.
“But I think given all the variables this year, writing on the wall being out of the team, forcing his way back in through some good form, came in and was running on top of the ground.
“Kicked three goals in the Grand Final so did his part, I think he probably could understand the realities of what was faced next year, and I think for him and the club, a mutual agreement, I think it’s a smart call from Luke.
“He can hopefully provide some much-needed leadership to North Melbourne.”
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