NSW Premiership star signs new deal

This article first appeared on sydneyswans.com.au

Premiership-winning midfielder Craig Bird has signed a two-year contract extension, following his best season as a Swan.

A product of the New South Wales system, Bird has committed to the Swans after five years and 87 games in the red and white.

With persistent foot injuries well behind him, Bird played every game and was used in the midfield and as a defensive forward in 2012.

Originally from Nelson Bay on the state’s North Coast, Bird will remain with the Swans until at least the end of 2014.

The 23-year-old was one of the team’s most consistent performers this year and showed plenty of improvement on field to finish in ninth place in the club’s Bob Skilton Medal count.

“Craig was one of eight Swans to play all 25 matches this year and posted a top 10 finish in the club champion award,” Moore said.

“He has had some injury issues over the last few years, so it was great to see him have an uninterrupted season and play some really important roles for us.”

Ruckman Mike Pyke and forward Mitch Morton have also signed new deals with the club this week.

Pyke has signed a new two-year deal, while Morton extends his tenure at the Swans by a further 12 months.

It’s been a whirlwind journey for Canadian recruit Pyke, who cemented his place in the Swans line-up in 2012, playing the final 18 games of the season, often as the second ruck/forward option alongside Shane Mumford.

The 28-year-old, who is currently travelling across the United States and Canada, told sydneyswans.com.au he was thrilled to have signed on again with the Swans.

“I’m really excited,” Pyke said.

“To be able to come back and defend a premiership is a challenge we’re all looking forward to and I feel privileged to have this opportunity.”

Pyke said he had formed a special bond with those at the Sydney Swans Football Club, and referred to Sydney as his ‘home away from home’.

“Signing a new contract is very important to me,” he said.

“I feel like the Swans are my Australian family. There are so many people that I look up to and feel comfortable to confide in at the club, so to play for a club like this is something that is really special.

“Since my arrival at the club, my number one priority for every session has been to improve. I still feel like I have plenty of development left in me, and hopefully I can add a few more strings to my bow this year.”

Another success story of the Swans 2012 premiership was the timely rise of forward Mitch Morton.

Morton joined the Swans after stints at both West Coast and Richmond and after playing the majority of the season in the Swans reserves side in the NEAFL competition, he was promoted to the senior side in round 21 against the Western Bulldogs.

Despite being left out of the Swans’ final-round clash with Geelong, Morton returned for the Qualifying Final win against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, and held his spot for the remainder of the team’s finals campaign, including the Grand Final victory.

Morton kicked four goals in the Swans’ three finals, including a two-goal burst in the second quarter of the decider against Hawthorn.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, the 25-year-old said he could not wait to get back on the track for the 2013 season.

“I’m just absolutely pumped to be a part of the club again in 2013,” Morton said.

“I’m working hard now to ensure I can have more of an impact throughout the home and away season in 2013.

“I’m extremely happy to have secured another contract with the Swans and it has certainly topped off what has been a very special year.”

Sydney Swans General Manager – Football, Dean Moore said it was great to have three premiership players all re-commit to the Swans.

“Mike has come a long way in the last four years and we are looking forward to seeing where he can get to in the next year and beyond,” Moore said.

“He has still only played 46 senior matches so there is no doubt he will keep on improving.

“Mitch had some things he needed to work on during the year and it took some time for him to work his way into the senior team, but once he got his opportunity late in the season he really grabbed it with both hands.”