Andrew Swallow revealed today that a contract has been agreed for him to remain a North Melbourne Kangaroo beyond the end of next season. The length of the deal has not been released but puts an end to speculation linking the 23-year-old with a move to Greater Western Sydney.

Swallow told AFL.com.au today that he "was aware of all the GWS talk" but "was really keen to stay at North Melbourne," adding that he can now "focus on the future with North and really enjoy playing in a young and talented side ... I truly believe that we will be able to achieve great things if we can all stick together."

North Melbourne fans will be delighted with the outcome as Swallow's dogged persistence and ferocious tackling has made him a firm favourite and possible future captain of the club. His attack on the ball in the midfield has drawn comparisons with the likes of Lenny Hayes and Luke Ball, such effort typifying this Kangaroo's shinboner spirit.

Swallow's announcement comes hot on the heels of the saga surrounding Wayne Rooney's contract extension at Manchester United and adds to the growing debate about player power in professional sport. On the face of it, the situations couldn't be more different: a flawed superstar at a sporting leviathan versus a devout Christian at a Victorian blue-collar institution. However, both processes had much in common, revealing Matrix-like parallel universes.

Take the red pill to Old Trafford and like the characters in the movie, you see the glitches in the Matrix and the ugly hyper-reality of professional sport.

Rooney, and those in his corner, effectively held his employer to ransom, issuing an ultimatum to the effect that he was of more importance to Manchester United than the club was to him. This was followed by a member of Rooney's camp strategically leaking information to The Guardian newspaper. Consequently, the outside world was exposed to the machinations of an organisation adored by millions, with no party benefitting from the scrutiny. Rooney is no longer ‘The White Pele,' just another Scouser on the take. Alex Ferguson's crocodile tears should have fooled no one as he hung his prized asset out to dry. And as for the United board, you reap what you sow.

Take the blue pill to Arden Street and the illusion of sporting loyalty retains its lustre. North's ability to keep its affairs to itself prevented the damage suffered by United. Swallow did not overtly court GWS but it harmed neither him nor Kevin Sheedy for it to appear that he was in demand. Swallow said nothing in public about the situation and his agent chose only to reiterate his player's desire to remain at the Kangaroos. Consequently, details of Swallow's negotiation can only be speculated upon.

The reality is that both players wanted and received more money and greater recognition as reward for their performances and, hey, both used the threat of signing for other clubs to strengthen their hands. The difference is that Manchester United's dirty linen was washed in 3D High Definition while North Melbourne's was kept behind closed doors.

It is unfortunate for Rooney that his advisors chose such a public strategy as a means to increase an already wealthy young man's wages. It is to Andrew Swallow's benefit his team did not. The discussions regarding both players however are likely to have followed similar paths.

Contract negotiations are always sensitive and public statements can work both ways. As Gary Ablett can attest, there is no good way to tell a club you're leaving. Wayne Rooney this week found out it can sometimes be hard to say you're staying. Andrew Swallow said it best by saying nothing all.