Sydney Swans have shed light on the uncertain future of promising forward Jacob Konstanty while also clarifying the status of two other players on the fringe of the team. With the trade period underway, the club has indicated that Konstanty, a former first-round draft pick, will remain in limbo until they finalize their trade strategy for the off-season.
Jacob Konstanty, who was selected with Pick 20 in the 2022 AFL Draft, has yet to secure a contract for the 2025 season. After two years in Sydney, he has played 23 games at the VFL level but has yet to make his senior debut. The presence of established forwards like Tom Papley and Will Hayward has complicated his chances, and injuries have further hindered his progress. The Swans are in discussions with Konstanty’s manager, Dave Trotter, but any definitive answers about his future are on hold as the team navigates the early stages of the trade period.
Chris Keane, Sydney’s list manager, acknowledged the challenges Konstanty has faced, stating, “It’s been a pretty frustrating couple of years for Jacob. We’re in constant communication with him and his management, and he understands where things stand. It’s a matter of seeing how this nine-day period unfolds.” This open dialogue reflects the club’s commitment to keeping Konstanty informed about potential outcomes.
Additionally, Keane dispelled rumors regarding the departures of Sam Wicks and Peter Ladhams, both of whom have struggled for game time. Wicks, who played 16 games this year, was sidelined by a lengthy VFL suspension and the return of Luke Parker. Despite this setback, he has shown no desire to leave the club, as reflected in a positive exit interview where he expressed his commitment. Similarly, Ladhams has not indicated any wish to move on, despite limited opportunities in the wake of Brodie Grundy’s arrival. Keane described Ladhams as a valuable asset to the team, affirming, “Pete’s contracted and a really popular member of our footy club.”
As the trade period progresses, the Swans are unlikely to pursue experienced players but remain flexible in their draft strategy. They hold two first-round picks, 19 and 22, in this year’s draft, positioning them well to either trade up or stay put. Keane expressed optimism about the draft class, saying, “We’re excited about what we could bring to our footy club. We know we need to get better, and we’ll explore all options to enhance our squad.” The club’s current position gives them the freedom to make strategic decisions based on the evolving landscape of the draft.
The trade period, which opened on Monday, will continue until October 17. As the Swans navigate this crucial time, their ability to balance player development and strategic acquisitions will be key to their future success. The excitement surrounding potential new talent adds an additional layer of intrigue to the upcoming weeks for Sydney supporters.