SYDNEY Swans defender Nick Malceski has given a strong hint he intends staying in Sydney despite suggestions he could look elsewhere when his contract ends.
The dashing, rebounding backman has enjoyed the best season of his career, earning his first All Australian nod at the age of 30 and is set to play in next Saturday's Grand Final.
He signed a one-year contract extension in mid-2013 and his imminent unrestricted free agent status has sparked speculation he could link with his former Swans coach Paul Roos at Melbourne.
Malceski rarely talks to the media and his silence on his future and no news of a contract extension has inevitably stoked suggestions he could be leaving the talent-stacked Swans.
However, the 10-season 175-game Swan said he had been talking to the club and coach John Longmire.
"I didn't want the contract stuff to hinder my performance and I feel like it hasn't," Malceski said at an SCG recovery session on Saturday.
"Me and 'Horse' (Longmire) have spoken and we know what's going on.
"I'd like something to happen next year and hopefully it happens after this week."
Asked if that meant the Grand Final might not be his last game for the Swans, Malceski said: "Yeah."
He was one of the heroes of their 2012 grand final winning side, kicking an early goal and then another one late in the game to seal their victory.
Despite his influence on the game and the happy memories, Malceski rarely sneaks a peek at the footage.
"I haven't really, I've just seen highlights of it, but it's not something I really think about," Malceski said.
"It was an eternity ago."
His 2012 exploits and a decade of solid service apart, Malceski is probably best known for having LARS surgery for two of his three knee reconstructions.
Malceski displayed both weariness and dark humour when he was asked the inevitable LARS question on Saturday; whether he viewed himself as a poster boy for the procedure.
"No, not really," Malceski said with a sigh, before smiling and saying "I can be if you want me."
He feels a better attitude is among the reasons for his excellent form in 2014.
"Going into this year, I just wanted to improve and be more consistent," Malceski said.
"Last year I dropped off towards the end of the year, just with my prep, with everything.
"I got a couple of injuries and didn't really fight well through them.
"I felt like this this year, just with a few niggles, I pushed a little bit better and I've had a more complete season."
