Sydney Swans have recruited dynamic Balwyn forward Charlie Haley to join their VFL team

At the age of 25, the brilliant Balwyn forward has linked with the Sydney Swans. He’ll play in a practice match for the Swannies this weekend.

But the Tigers say they still expect to see a lot of Haley this season, starting with the Good Friday clash with Blackburn.

He will remain living in Melbourne.

It’s understood Sydney Swans premiership player Amon Buchanan alerted the club to Haley’s talents.

Balwyn has given its blessing to its popular player having a dash with the Swans.

Haley attended De La Salle College and went through the old boys football club’s Under 19 and senior teams.

He played a season in Cairns, joined North Ringwood when he moved back to Melbourne, and crossed to Balwyn in 2018.

Haley has been an outstanding performer in the Eastern League’s Premier division, kicking 60 goals in the 2019 season under the coaching of Rodney Eade.

That year he won the best and fairest and was named in the team of the year.

Last season he slotted 53 goals from 15 matches and was again named in the team of the season.

Eade, who stood down as Balwyn’s coach at the end of last season, welcomed news Haley would be stepping up to the state league.

“He’s a good player. He’s a really good player,’’ Eade said.

“He’s got a really good skill-set and he’s so competitive. He wants to take the world on at times, but having said that, you wouldn’t take that away from him too much because he can do some things that other players can’t.

“He’s great bodywork, he’s very strong for his size and he’s a very good mark, with good touch.

“Charlie is probably one of those blokes – and there are a few in the AFL – who can kick mercurial goals easier than he can kick the straightforward ones.’’

Eade added: “He’s a hard trainer, he wants to win and he gives it everything he’s got. It’s great he’s going to the VFL, because he’s going to test himself.’’

Haley will play for the Swans in their VFL scratch match with GWS this weekend.