'It was almost half my life': Young star knocks back rival's 10-year offer to stay at Swans
Swans young gun Errol Gulden reportedly knocked back a 10-year offer from a rival club to stay in Sydney.
The Bloods on Wednesday night announced a four-year contract extension for the 21-year-old which ties him to the NSW capital until the end of 2028.
But 9News journalist Braden Ingram says Gulden rejected a monster offer from Adelaide before inking his fresh contract with the Swans.
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Speaking on Fox Footy after announcing his extension, Gulden as much as confirmed the offer without naming the Crows.
"That's a very long time - I haven't even played four years in the AFL yet, it was almost half my life," he said of the 10-year offer.
Errol Gulden. Getty
"At the end of the day, I think four years was the right option for me and for the club.
"Hopefully I'll be able to get another contract after that... It's up to me to keep performing."
A 10-year contract would have put Gulden's deal alongside Lance Franklin's and Aaron Naughton's as the AFL's longest signings.
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Gulden shot to prominence with the Swans last year and is now regarded as one of the silkiest players in the competition, his disposal efficiency almost second to none.
He finished fourth in last year's Brownlow Medal count and earned his maiden All-Australian guernsey.
He also won the Swans' Bob Skilton Medal. He joined the club's academy program at 11 years old, before being drafted to the AFL list with pick 32 in 2020.
"His work ethic is something to be admired, he is always looking to improve," Swans football manager Leon Cameron said on Wednesday.
"He has shown remarkable consistency and continues to perform week in and week out at a high level.
"It's qualities like these that seen him develop into a natural leader within the playing group."
Sydney has won four of five games this season, and have the bye this week.
