MIDFIELDER Luke Parker has signed a five-year contract extension with the Sydney Swans and says he never considered leaving the club.
Parker, 23, was out of contract at the end of this season but the new deal ties him to the club at least until the end of 2021.
The 2014 club champion and 2012 premiership player was the youngest man to ever be voted into the Swans' leadership group last season, and is one of the best young midfielders in the competition.
The tough onballer would have created a frenzy of interest from opposition clubs had he not re-signed with the Swans this year, and says that played a huge part in the contract being signed.
"I'm just over the moon. It's a great thing I've got it done before the season because I didn't want it carrying on and playing on my mind or being a distraction to the team," Parker said on Friday after a solid training session.
"My heart was always here so at the end of the day I wanted to stay a Swan.
"I've absolutely loved my time at the club. My family is based in Melbourne but they're up here every second week so they're basically living here anyway.
"I love the lifestyle up here, I love the club and the culture, they're just a great bunch of boys and I couldn't say no.
"I think it takes me to 29 (years of age), so I think they'll be trying to kick me out by the end of it."
The midfielder has averaged more than 25 possessions over the past two seasons and forms part of an outstanding group that includes dual club champion Josh Kennedy, two-time All Australian Dan Hannebery, co-captain Kieren Jack and hard nut Tom Mitchell.
A fierce competitor, Parker missed last year's finals series after breaking his leg in round 20 against Collingwood at the SCG, and says he's warming into the season after last year's setback.
"The leg is all good, the ankle is a little bit dodgy here and there, but it was always a bit of a dodgy ankle anyway, so it's all about managing it after training and games," Parker said.
"I've got full confidence that when it comes to full on games in the NAB Challenge and round one that it'll be 100 per cent."
Swans football manager Tom Harley said the club was delighted that the 2014 club champion had signed on.
"When you look at your list, and you look at the on and off field attributes you want your players to display, Luke certainly ticks those boxes," Harley said.
"He's a club champion at a young age, the youngest player ever elected to the Swans' leadership group, a fantastic person to have around the footy club and a terrific player.
"To have Luke, a Victorian kid, commit to the Swans for five-plus years is just a fantastic endorsement of the footy club."
