AT THE end of this season, Darren Jolly could have beenforgiven for feeling like his arms were being pulled in opposite directions.

On one side, he had his home state of Victoria beckoning; the place where his familyand that of his wife Deanne reside.

On the other was a football club situated in the bustlingcity of Sydney;the team he won a premiership with, and a group of guys he's happy to say he'sgrown quite fond of.

Considering the shortage of experienced ruckmen available,the out-of-contract tall man had several Melbourneclubs enquire about his position, and his willingness to return to his state oforigin for the 2008 season and beyond.   

But, after discussions with his wife and considering aneventual four-year deal put on the table by the Swans, the decision to staybecame a no-brainer for the 26-year-old. 

"I always wanted to stay and play for the Swans. I'veracked up a few games now and I wanted to stay loyal," Jolly toldsydneyswans.com.au.

"I didn't want to move to another club, because movingthree times would be a bit tough. I've always wanted to stay here, and familywas a big issue; being away from family a lot with a little child is hard.

"Her grandparents don't get to see her that much, sothat was something we had to consider, but we're putting things into place now toturn that around.

"But, it was a relief to finally get the contract done.It was the day of the best and fairest, so I really had a good night at thebest and fairest and just enjoyed it knowing I was locked in for another fouryears."

He said Deanne has slight misgivings about staying in New South Wales,considering their current status as a growing family.

"My wife and I had to decide what we wanted to do witha little child, and with another one we're hoping to have next year," hesaid.

"We had to decide, obviously being away from family,what would be the best for us, and we didn't know the Swans were going to offerthe deal that they did.

"When they did … I've always wanted to stay in Sydney and play for theclub. I love the place and I love the boys, so in the end, it was pretty much adecision and I had to talk my wife around.

"She was upset in the way we are away from our family abit longer, as all wives and girlfriends are, but she understands the situationthat we're in, and she's fully supportive of me. She's there by my side."

Ultimately, Jolly knew he would struggle to abandon the sidehe won a premiership with in 2005, and played in a Grand Final with thefollowing season.

"It was really, really hard to even think aboutleaving, and that's why it took us a while to figure out where our heads wereat," he said.

"I've obviously had a few issues with my knees over thepast few years but I haven't missed any games from them, so the club has shownsome faith in me, which is fantastic for me and my family."

Jolly wasn't surprised at the number of ruckmen headhuntedduring the AFL's trade week period, considering the importance placed onpossessing a strong big man.

"The last time I checked, the ball did start in themiddle with two big blokes jumping at it," he laughed.

But it was always going to be a circus he would try andavoid, as his intentions – at least, for the next four years – rest firmly withthe Swans.

"A few big names went moving and that was something Iwanted to steer away from. I wanted to stay here," he said.

"I'm obviously playing some really good footy here andbeing loyal to the club, with the club looking after me and supporting me andmy family, it was great to stay."