Luke Parker’s future at Sydney remains up in the air amid a reported salary cap squeeze at the club.
SEN's Chief Sports Reporter Sam Edmund understands Parker and his management are chasing a four-year contract extension worth around or above $700,000 a season.
The Swans will turn their attention to locking away the 28-year-old unrestricted free agent after they were eliminated from the finals on the weekend.
Speaking on SEN’s Whateley, David King says Parker’s midfield role can be replaced if he decided to seek a trade in the off-season.
“For me, I’m not concerned about losing a star like that,” King said.
“Luke Parker, fantastic contributor, turns up every week, he’ll always be high in their best and fairest because he’s in a position that demands voting.
“Is he a good player? Yep, he’s a very good player, but it’s a replaceable position for me.
“I’m not getting my salary cap in a twist for that player. If that player is a centre half-forward or an intercepting back or a ruckman of note that can go forward, catch it and kick goals … but I’m not getting things out of whack (for Parker).
“I think this will be a really interesting off-season.
“I think the club will say, ‘This is what we can afford. If you want to leave for that extra $100,000, we’re not going to hold you up, but we’re going to get something back’.
“They might get a first rounder and second rounder back for him or they might get matched compensation from the free agency situation.”
The future is bright at the Swans with their exciting crop of youngsters ready to take the club forward after jumping from 16th in 2020 to finals in 2021.
“I’m not worried about that. I think the Swans are in a really good position,” King added.
“These young kids have been terrific – (Errol) Gulden, (Braeden) Campbell, (Logan) McDonald … (Chad) Warner, (Sam) Wicks, (James) Rowbottom’s taken some steps … they really missed (Nick) Blakey and (Josh) Kennedy on the weekend … (Justin) McInerney’s an absolute star.
“They’ve got the bones of a really good team.”
Swans co-captain Parker averaged a tick under 28 disposals and 6.3 clearances per game in 2021.