'Top of our priority': New Swans coach Dean Cox speaks out on in-demand star's future
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New Sydney coach Dean Cox has opened up on the future of star midfielder Chad Warner.
Warner, who is out of contract at the end of 2025, is a Western Australian.
And while chatter continues to swirl around the 23-year-old star's future and if he'll request a move home, Cox has clarified the Swans' position.
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"Chad is at the top of our priority now. He's an amazing footballer, one I've got a really strong relationship with," Cox said on SEN Radio on Wednesday.
"He's really enjoying his time in Sydney. That's the role of our footy club and myself now, to try and make sure we can get Chad locked away as quickly as possible and create the environment he wants to be a part of going forward."
Chad Warner of the Swans celebrates a goal with teammate Isaac Heeney. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Cox knows there is interest in the star, who has taken the competition by storm with his breakthrough speed and fearlessness over the footy.
"Any time that a player is out of contract of the calibre of Chad there's always going to be dialogue and conversation around it," he said.
"For us it's about trying to make sure that Chad is as happy as he possibly can be, which he is. He's playing the football that we demand as a footy club.
"Then from there whatever takes place. We'll speak to Chad throughout the process to make sure that hopefully can get it done as soon as possible."
Dean Cox was an assistant at Sydney for seven years. AFL Photos via Getty Images
Warner has played 85 games since his debut in 2020, but has become a key cog in the Swans midfield that lost the 2024 grand final to the Lions.
Alongside Warner, Cox has Isaac Heeney and Errol Gulden, with the latter two contracted to the Swans until 2028.
And it's not just Warner that Cox is keen on keeping in the red and white beyond 2025.
"We want to retain as much of our talent as we possibly can," he added.
"This year we did that with Logan McDonald, Will Hayward and Ollie Florent."
And while Warner, who came third in the Bob Skilton in 2024, behind Heeney and Gulden, is committed in 2025, it's up to Cox to continue to deepen his relationship and connection.
"I can't wait to be back next year," Warner said at the Bob Skilton medal.
Warner is yet to enter new contract talks. Getty
