The competition for Sydney Swans free agent Will Hayward is expected to tighten as the South Australian star leans towards a move to Victoria instead of returning to his home state.

Hayward has been one of the most sought-after players this year as he deliberates his future, with the Swans facing competition from several interested clubs. Both South Australian clubs, Adelaide and Port Adelaide, have shown interest in the talented half-forward, while Carlton and Melbourne are also attempting to lure Hayward out of New South Wales.

As a restricted free agent, Hayward remains a strong possibility to stay with the Swans beyond this year. However, their efforts to retain him are challenged by reportedly lucrative offers from the Crows and Blues.

Despite Adelaide and Port Adelaide having the potential advantage of bringing Hayward back to his home state, it is now expected that a move to a Melbourne-based club is more likely. According to reporter Jon Ralph, Port Adelaide, and likely the Crows, are now considered long shots to sign Hayward at the end of the year.

“[Port Adelaide] have been after Will Hayward, as have a lot of clubs,” Ralph told Fox Footy on Thursday. “He’s a free agent from Sydney. The expectation now at Port Adelaide though is that if he doesn’t stay at Sydney, he’s more likely to move to a Melbourne-based club – his partner is from Melbourne. I think you can effectively say that Port Adelaide is out of the race now for Will Hayward.”

Hayward has had a standout season for the Swans, kicking 22 goals in 11 games, just 13 goals shy of his career-best season. The Swans have several important contract decisions to make in the coming months, including that of spearhead Logan McDonald, who is also off-contract and might consider a move to his home state of Western Australia.

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