Eyebrows were raised when he told the broadcaster after the match that he was returning to his home town of Perth to visit friends and family because the Swans have a bye this weekend.

There has been intense speculation that Fremantle and West Coast will take the opportunity to informally court Warner.

“Both clubs would be negligent if they didn’t have a crack at him,” another well-placed WA football source said on the condition of anonymity.

West Coast’s general manager of football Gavin Bell made the Eagles’ interest clear to this masthead on Sunday.

“We are aware that Chad has 18 months left on his current contract with Sydney. If Chad wishes to return to Perth at any point to continue his career,we would love to have him play at our Club,” Bell said.

Under AFL rules clubs can approach players but not make them an offer. However,a player manager,who agreed to speak anonymously,told this masthead there was often a “nudge,nudge,wink,wink,” with such discussions.

Fremantle declined to comment,while the Swans have been contacted about Warner’s future but did not respond by the time of publication.

Sydney CEO Tom Harley told SEN radio ahead of Thursday’s match that Warner’s signature is a top priority for the club.

“He’s clearly a priority player for us going forward. He does have another year on his contract,” Harley said. “When you’re working through your list and your priorities,he’s right at the top of that.

“We would love to extend Chad tomorrow beyond 2025 and those conversations will happen at the right pace and the right time,but he’s a very integral part of what we’re doing.”

Swans coach John Longmire tempered his praise of Warner,who dominated on Thursday night after a tight first half.

“He’s learning,isn’t he,” Longmire said after the match. “He’ll keep learning. He played well last week and there’s another challenge next week.

“Chad played a bit differently in the third quarter and was able to hit the scoreboard and was pretty dynamic. That is a good sign. That he’s able to switch on like that and get himself going in the second half was a credit to him.”

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