Trade target turns back offers

DYLAN Stephens will not be following Jordan Dawson out of Sydney.

The Swans have seen off interest from Collingwood, Adelaide and Essendon to secure Stephens – the fifth pick in the 2019 AFL draft – for two more seasons.

The 20-year-old winger joins key forward Hayden McLean and defenders Robbie Fox and Will Gould in re-signing at Sydney for at least next year.

Stephens played only 15 games across his first two seasons, but is sure to have a more prominent role in 2022 after

Dawson’s decision to request a trade to one of the South Australian clubs.

There is still fascination about what is to come for the Swans, with restricted free agent George Hewett tipped to sign with Carlton.

Matt Ling – the club’s firstround selection four years ago – headlines four delistings, alongside former Hawk Kaiden Brand, former Power forward Sam Gray and rookie Malachy Carruthers.

Sydney’s executive general manager of football, Charlie Gardiner, was pleased to retain the quartet. “We are excited to have these players commit to our program,” Gardiner said.