NORTH Melbourne's bid to re-contract Mason Wood has been set back, with the Sydney Swans making a big play for the young gun forward.

It is believed the Swans' offer for the 22-year-old is up to $500,000 a season and would see him a permanent part of a forward line alongside Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.

Prior to injuring his knee on the weekend, Wood had played the last five consecutive matches for the Kangaroos.

It is seen as good money for a player with 16 career games, but a deal the Swans can afford with the likely exit of Ted Richards and the strong possibility that Tom Mitchell will accept an offer from Hawthorn.

Wood’s management would not comment on the specifics of any offers but acknowledged the competition-wide interest in their client.

"There is a lot of demand for Mason,” Strategic Management told Channel Nine.

"He is a key forward who can play tall and short, with the running ability of an elite midfielder. His desire is to remain at North Melbourne, but we do need to ascertain his true market value and hopefully North can get as close to that value as possible."

"Mason is fully committed to North Melbourne and is focusing on his recovery to be back in time for finals."

With key forwards Drew Petrie and Jarrad Waite (both 33 years old) nearing the end of their careers, it would be a major blow to lose the 192cm high-flying talent.