Star Swans forward Joel Amartey says he’s still simply grateful to be playing AFL every week in a career-best season as he prepares to make his free agency call.
Amartey bagged three goals in Thursday night’s 66-point domination of the undermanned Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium to take his season tally to 16.
The 26-year old’s starring role for the 6-1 Swans would only be increasing the value of his next deal with each passing week as one of the marquee key forwards set to hit the market at the optimal time.
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But while it’s an all-important contract year for Amartey, he’s not looking too far ahead.
“Taking it one week at a time, as they say,” he told foxfooty.com.au post-match in the rooms on Thursday night.
“I’ve only played 70-odd games, so I don’t take for granted playing AFL each week after I didn’t play for my first five years.
“I never take for granted playing each week, so just really happy with that.”
NCA. MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIAÃ April 23rd , 2026Ã AFL Round 7. Western Bulldogs vs Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium. Sydneys Joel Amartey out marks Bulldog Buku Khamis during the 2nd qtr. . Picture: Michael KleinSource: News Corp Australia
Asked how keen he is to stay at the Swans in 2027, Amartey said: “I’ve been at this club for nine years now. I love all these guys, I love living in Sydney, it’s a pretty fortunate place to live near the beach.
“I don’t take it for granted.”
It comes amid reports Amartey and the Swans are currently some ways apart on a new deal as Victorian clubs monitor the former Sandringham Dragons player’s situation.
But Amartey doesn’t read into the speculation around his future and says he’s focused on continuing to play his role for the red-hot Swans.
“I don’t pay much attention to it. That’s what you’ve got your manager for, to handle all that stuff behind the scenes,” he added.
“Hopefully I can keep putting up good performances and playing my role for the team.
“It’s an exciting group to be a part of at the moment, since we’re going so well, and we’re still building, which is nice.”
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While Amartey has taken his game to new heights in 2026, Charlie Curnow produced his best performance of the season on Thursday night after a slightly slow start to life in red and white.
Curnow booted seven goals against the Dogs to deliver what the Swans would’ve envisioned when they made their high-profile move for the dual Coleman medallist.
Amartey says he, Curnow and the rest of the Swans forwards are “still building” and want to be a multi-pronged attack.
“We’re getting a lot of space up there with Logan (McDonald) as well and ‘Chady’ (Warner) coming down playing a bit deeper in that last quarter,” he said.
“We all feel dangerous at any given time, so you don’t know who’s going to get off the chain.
“Good for Charlie, he got his lick tonight. He gave a few off, he probably should’ve had 10, I reckon!
“It was great.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 23: Joel Amartey of the Swans celebrates after scoring a goal during the round seven AFL match between Western Bulldogs and Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium, on April 23, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Even if Curnow hasn’t necessarily been firing on all cylinders prior to Thursday night, Amartey said the star recruit has been an “unbelievable” addition to Dean Cox’s side.
“He wouldn’t have lost a contest all year, basically. Maybe a couple to Tom Barrass against Hawthorn,” Amartey continued.
“The way he competes is unbelievable and our smalls and mids are getting so many good looks off his contest work and Logan’s contest work.
“It might not be (Curnow’s) lick every week, but ‘Paps’ (Tom Papley) kicking three or four is of his work. It’s really good to see.”
Of course, having that added threat in Sydney’s forward line has crucially helped Amartey get off the leash more.
“He takes the other team’s best key back every week,” Amartey said.
“We flip around, we’re building our synergy each week. One up, one back, sort of thing.
“All credit goes to the boys up the field — me and him just create our depth and the boys run through. It’s been a really exciting start to the year.”