ATTACKING Sydney defender Nic Newman appears likely to depart the Harbour City side after two seasons on the club's senior list.

Rookie-listed as a 21-year-old from VFL side Frankston, Newman spent two years proving his value in the NEAFL before being rewarded with a senior contract two years ago.

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AFL.com.au understands Newman, now 25 years old and out of contract, had been in the sights of former Swans assistant coach Stuart Dew at Gold Coast, but that is far from a lock.

Newman made his debut in 2017 playing 20 games, before adding a further 11 matches to his tally this season.

A popular figure within the Swans playing group, Newman played plenty of senior footy in the second half of the season, playing every match after breaking back into the team in round 17.

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He garnered national attention when he was pictured in tears with luckless defender Alex Johnson in round 21, after his teammate suffered another serious knee injury.

He was also the third Swans player to cop a flying foot fend off from Giants star Toby Greene during Saturday's elimination final.

Newman's likely move follows confirmation the Swans are set to trade Dan Hannebery and Gary Rohan back to Victoria – in what looms as one of Sydney's busiest off seasons in years.