Sydney Swans have received straightforward advice regarding the future of key forward Joel Amartey: if rival clubs come calling with offers between $1 million and $1.2 million per year, as anticipated, the club should simply let him walk.
The 26-year-old is out of contract and holds unrestricted free agent status, granting him the ability to accept the most lucrative offer available at the end of the season. Sydney has tabled a five-year contract worth between $600,000 and $700,000 annually, but that figure is expected to be significantly surpassed by competing teams.
7SPORT expert Tom Morris assessed the Swans' offer as “probably about right, given what (Amartey’s) achieved in the game.” For context, Amartey’s most prolific goal-scoring season came in 2024 with 43 goals. Prior to that, his next best tally was just 20 goals, though he has already kicked 21 this year. He also has a history of soft-tissue injuries, managing only eight games in 2025, and has played a career total of 71 matches since his debut in 2020.
While Sydney’s proposal appears fair, Morris explained that the market is poised to shift dramatically once Gold Coast Suns star Ben King re-signs with his club, an event expected imminently. “I’ve spoken to multiple clubs today who’ve confirmed that they believe Joel Amartey’s price on the open market will be between $1 and $1.2 million a year as soon as Ben King signs,” Morris said on Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters.
The projected price surge reflects the premium placed on key forwards in the modern game, with clubs desperate to secure talent in that position. “That’s how much he’s going to be worth, given how valuable key forwards are in the current-day game and the modern-day system,” Morris explained.
The potential $500,000 per year gap between Sydney’s offer and rival interest presents a significant dilemma for Amartey and his management. However, Kane Cornes argues it should be no dilemma for the Swans. “Well, let him go. He’s not that good,” Cornes said on The Agenda Setters.
Morris noted, “That’s the new age we live in,” while AFL great Nick Riewoldt suggested there was a case that Amartey is “outperforming Charlie Curnow at the moment.” Curnow also has 21 goals this season from one fewer game. The superstar recruit typically draws the best defender, whereas Amartey often receives the second or third best key defender, given the Swans deploy three tall forwards in Curnow, Amartey, and Logan McDonald.
Cornes acknowledged Amartey’s form has been strong this year but insisted “he’s not worth that.” He added, “That offer (from Sydney) is very fair, as you said ... it’s responsible. The minute you try and go matching other clubs, your salary cap will blow out, and then you lose your biggest competitive advantage.”
Amartey is not currently entertaining offers from rival clubs. “He wants to stay, but this is just one to watch,” Morris said.
