Former Geelong star Cameron Mooney mouths off over Chad Warner’s off-season catch-up

A retired AFL great has bizarrely ripped into young Sydney star Chad Warner on the back of reports he met with two key West Coast officials — who are both former Swans — while on holiday at home in Perth.

The 23-year-old East Fremantle product has been at the centre of the rumour mill because of his WA links over the off-season, with the elite midfielder expected to be one of the hottest targets heading into next year’s trade period when his contract expires .

It was reported on Wednesday Warner had played golf with West Coast chief executive Don Pyke and head of strategy Kieren Jack as reports continue to emerge that he is being circle by both West Australian clubs. Pyke was Warner’s assistant coach during his time at Sydney, while Jack a former captain of the club.

But Geelong champion Cameron Mooney slammed Warner over the catch-up on Thursday, saying it was a bad look for him and the club.

“I’m sorry, I think it looks really bad. I’m a little bit filthy if I’m Chad’s teammate,” Mooney said on SEN Breakfast.

“People will come at me and say they’re mates and they can do that, but Don Pyke is the CEO of a club that’s basically opening the door for you.

“No. Sorry. It’s a bad look. I wouldn’t be happy if I was Chad’s teammate if he was over there playing golf with Don Pyke.”

Mooney said Warner’s meeting was akin to players in the NRL who often sign for rival teams before the season is complete.

“Are we going to go down the path of the NRL where they sign at a team and play the rest of the season out?” Mooney said.

“I think that is the worst look you can ever have. I would be filthy with my teammates. I’d say, ‘Mate, go now’.

“You’ve got to know how that looks (as the player). When you’re speculated about going to that club, and then you’re playing golf with the CEO…

“Even for ‘Pykey’ to do that. It’s terrible, it looks terrible and I would be p--sed off if I was his teammate.”

It is not the first time this season young players have been publicly shamed for exploring other opportunities.

Richmond president John O’Rourke took a swipe at departing Tigers stars Liam Baker (West Coast), Jack Graham (West Coast), Shai Bolton (Fremantle) and Daniel Rioli (Gold Coast) at the club’s best and fairest awards last month, minutes before a number of them had to take the stage.

Newly-appointed Swans coach and former Eagles champion Dean Cox said re-signing Warner was a number one priority.

“Chad is at the top of our priority now. He’s an amazing footballer, one I’ve got a really strong relationship with,” he said on Wednesday.

“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.

“I’ve got a good relationship with Chad, hopefully we can get that work done and dusted and move forward.”

Warner was in career-best form this season in what was a huge driver behind his side’s return to the grand final. He averaged more than 23 disposals per game and booted 35 goals.