AFL Trades: West Coast list boss Matt Clarke says Eagles expect Chad Warner to remain at Sydney Swans

West Coast list boss Matt Clarke says they expect Chad Warner to remain at Sydney, so they won’t be making a play for the superstar in the upcoming trade period.

It comes as he all but shut down any possibility of the Eagles taking a punt on Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill, who is desperate to find a third club.

Speculation has been rife on Warner’s future despite the West Australian still being contracted at the Swans until the end of next season.

The East Fremantle product is one of four Sydney players under investigation by Victorian Police over sexual assault allegations following an after-hours incident at the Pullman Hotel in Melbourne after their round 23 defeat of Essendon.

West Coast has long held interest in Warner, who turned down overtures last year to re-commit to the Swans on a lucrative two-year deal which expires at the end of 2027.

The 130-game midfielder will be a free agent at the end of next season, meaning he won’t cost them anything to recruit him.

Clarke said they would “ask the question” of Warner but didn’t expect him to move before the end of next season despite his off-field woes.

“Our understanding from his management group — and they’ve had strong conversations with Sydney — is that he’s a required player and he’s very happy where he is right now,” he told Trade Radio.

“I don’t expect any movement at our end. We’ll obviously do our due diligence and ask the question ... from where we sit right now, Chad will be playing for Sydney next year.

“I think all clubs are looking at what every free agent list looks like year on year and obviously Chad is one of those (in 2027). I am sure Sydney are keen to have him stay beyond that, and they’ll be trying to do the same.

“We’ll assess it in the next 12 months and see where it sits. But at this stage, he’ll play for Sydney next year, and we’ll see what happens from there.”

Meanwhile, Clarke said the potential recruitment of former Collingwood and Greater Western Sydney small forward Hill was “not a priority” as the Perth product looked to resurrect his career.

Hill parted ways with the Magpies earlier this year but has revealed he rediscovered his love for football and is hopeful of a second chance in the AFL.

Clarke said they would speak to the 26-year-old’s manager, but it was “unlikely” they would pursue the former Magpies star.

“Everyone will speak to his management group. When you consider someone who is as high-end a talent as Bobby is or has been and has done it on the biggest stage there is, there is always the question to ask,” he said.

“It’s great that Bobby’s turned his life around, he’s trying to get himself fit. I think it’s unlikely, but every club will speak to his management group and ask the question and see where it’s at.

“But it is not a priority for us right now.”