The lure of returning to Victoria will always loom large for Josh Kelly but the gun midfielder can see his long-term future at GWS after signing a two-year AFL contract extension.
Kelly will be with the Giants until at least the end of the 2021 season, at which point he’ll be eligible for free agency and will receive yet more offers from cashed-up rival clubs.
However, the superstar’s manager and GWS have already got the ball rolling on a lucrative follow-up deal to what was announced on Wednesday.
“It’s a great initiative by my manager and the club to have a look at those things,” Kelly said of the long-term options floated by the Giants, insisting he hadn’t thought about free agency.
“I’m super excited for what is to happen over the next couple of years and my future going forward after that.
“We have a great culture, a great group of boys, great coaching staff and the ability to hopefully win a premiership.”
Asked if he will be a Giants player for life, the silky on-baller stopped short of being unequivocal but noted: “I can definitely see my future up at the Giants”.
GWS will now turn their attention to contract talks with foundation player Stephen Coniglio, the in-demand restricted free agent who captained the club in their last-start derby win at the SCG.
A foundation player with the Giants, Coniglio, like Kelly, hasn’t let the contract speculation affect his impressive form.
“I won’t be jumping on his back and forcing him to make a decision there or anything,” Kelly said.
“Having dealt from experience, it’s not something you need heaps of people coming up and chatting to you about.
“I hope me signing on can have an impact on that but he’s playing some pretty good footy and he’s taking care of business.
GWS fended off significant interest from rival clubs – including a nine-year, $10 million offer from North Melbourne – to re-sign Kelly on a two-year deal during the 2017 finals.
This time around, Kelly made a call far earlier in the year.
“I’m a bit of an over-thinker at times and I tend to over-analyse situations … it’s a bit of weight off my shoulders,” the 24-year-old told reporters on Wednesday.
“I’m not going to lie, it was a tough decision.
“The opportunity to move back and be close to family and play in Victoria is always there.
“I love the club here and I feel like I’ve got something really special.”
An All-Australian and club best-and-fairest winner in 2017, Kelly joins Jacob Hopper, Matt de Boer, Adam Kennedy, Harry Himmelberg, Brent Daniels and Nick Haynes in signing new deals with the Giants this year.
The vice-captain, who missed the Giants’ first two matches this year after undergoing hip and knee surgery over the off-season, has averaged 28.5 possessions, six clearances and 5.5 tackles this season.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
I'd be more confident he stays at GWS. They've not offloaded all those players last year for nothing and GWS have seemed pretty confident on both Kelly and Coniglio whenever mentioned.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Paul D says it's a certainty he is going to Hawthorn.
Nolzie
Roar Rookie
WA boy, will come home. Especially if the Cats are going to play hard ball with Kelly
michael RVC
Roar Pro
Ok, so just outside the line there is evidence, fair enough. Those were very different days though, Hawthorn being a prime example of a club who was really a combined side of zone developed players and a top 4 - 6 who were from interstate. There were several other clubs with the same profile and within just a few years, insolvency and various cap penalties. Still, those clubs did dominate the VFL for years, so yes lot’s of premierships/finals success to boast.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Where is he from 6 x 6? Perth?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Not really Michael when you consider the AFL era started in 1990 so 1988-1989 don't count and both years were two more Hawk flags.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Lions should make a play for him if they're not already. really need a big rock to bounce footballs off for the more nimble existing forward line
Raimond
Roar Guru
They will if they can offload Patton.
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Good to have you back Matty.
User
Roar Rookie
Nonna will have been cooking since he was drafted for homecoming party.
M B
Guest
I thought SOS was the master list manager who could secure the services of GWS champions. He only seems capable of landing duds like Lamb,
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Yeah and Hamling got Kersten to come...oh...hmmm!
IAP
Guest
Mangia mangia!!
michael RVC
Roar Pro
Kind of a generous comparison in favour of the Hawks there, regardless of mathematical accuracy.
User
Roar Rookie
Hawks may like Coniglio but C'mon we all know good Italian boys want to be home with the family if they do anything.
Dean
Guest
With the impending retirees at the end of this year l think the Hawks will be able to have enough space in the salary cap to get both. Roughhead, Burgoyne, Puoppolo and Frawley could all be playing their last year and Birchall may also be too. IMO too early to tell regarding Burton, only six games in. Not sure what Burtons success is Peter? Playing good footy but did that at the hawks also. He is highly talented but picked up Scrimshaw cheap who has been really good so far and has heaps of potential and can play on a small or tall which Burton was unable to do. I think your a bit hard on the Burton/Wingard trade. Wingard has only played 4 games this year coming off a halted pre season, saw some good signs against Carlton and will only improve from hear on out.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
For the first time in a long while I reckon he may well be better off at the Blues than the Hawks. Young side upward trajectory against the proven flag accumulators who may be down for a few years.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I watched Patton play as a junior and have been sad to see his injury count. He came from the Rowville area which has a direct connection to the Hawks. He is also very gettable IMO. Depends on who you would have to offload in your salary cap to get both? Surely being burnt on Burtons success will make the Hawks more hesitant to give up established talent. I was truly surprised the Hawks gave up Burton as rated him highly.
Dean
Guest
Yeah they do, Caddy definitely helped Prestia get to the tigers and also Lynch. Also Impey had a huge influence on getting Wingard at the club. Could the Hawks land Coniglio and Patton Peter? I would take Patton regardless of his knee surgeries, probably get him cheap and the Hawks have a great record in getting players back fit and healthy. He would be a part of the puzzle needed up forward.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
A fair point. Eagles land a flag on average every seven years in the AFL era. Hawks every six years.