SYDNEY has pledged its commitment to John Longmire by opening negotiations for a new contract beyond 2020.

As North Melbourne officially began its pitch to land the contracted Longmire for next season, AFL.com.au understands the Swans ramped up its dealings for a long-term deal last week.

Swans chairman Andrew Pridham confirmed to AFL.com.au that North Melbourne chairman Ben Buckley had informed him of the Roos' desire to approach Longmire.

Sydney's talks are being led by chief executive Tom Harley and head of football Charlie Gardiner with Longmire's manager Liam Pickering.

Ollie Florent and John Longmire at training on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images



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Longmire is tied to the Swans until the end of 2020 and his latest negotiation phase comes in line with previous extensions signed in his 10-year coaching tenure.

In 2014 and 2016, Longmire added two and three years to existing deals more than 12 months before they were due to expire.

Already Sydney's longest serving coach, a three-year addition would take Longmire until the end of 2023.

"We have been – and continue to be – in constant dialogue with John and his management, and we're comfortable with where those discussions are at," Gardiner told AFL.com.au on Wednesday.

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"As we have said consistently, we're not going to go into detail in relation to those discussions.

"We will continue to focus on the things we can control.

"John is contracted for next year and we're absolutely clear that we want him to continue as senior coach beyond next year.

"He is committed to the club and fully invested in developing our young team."

Pickering confirmed on Wednesday that Buckley had made contact in an attempt to lure Longmire for the vacant role at Arden Street.

"I've had a call from North. I'm not really that surprised I've had a discussion, I thought it would come and I got a call from the president," Pickering told SEN radio.

"I don't know where it will end up. They just sounded me out."

Longmire has left the door ajar about a move back to Arden Street in recent weeks.



Pridham told AFL.com.au earlier this month he had no concerns with another club targeting Longmire.



Pickering said he was unsure if Sydney was aware of Buckley's and the Roos' inquiry, but that it was not his role to inform Sydney.

"I think that (North Melbourne informing the Swans of their interest) would probably happen, but you'd have to ask them about that," Pickering said.

"What I would say is we're also having very good chats with Sydney as well. We're having good chats. Everything's going well."

Longmire played 200 games with the Roos, including the 1999 premiership. Earlier this month he attended the team's flag reunion in Melbourne.

Industry sources have also linked Longmire to a potential move to St Kilda, should the Saints opt not to extend Alan Richardson's tenure beyond this year.

Saints head of football Simon Lethlean admitted on Sunday that the Saints would need to continue to improve if Richardson was to be retained as coach for 2020.



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