2019’s most prominent free agent Stephen Coniglio has knocked back offers from Carlton and Hawthorn to sign a lengthy deal with the GWS Giants.
Coniglio has committed to a contract that will see him paid $7 million over seven years and should mean he is a one-club player at GWS.
Carlton had reportedly put an offer to Coniglio that would have made him the highest-paid player in the competition, earning as much as $2 million in the first year of a heavily-front ended contract.
Hawthorn were also known to have recently increased the size of their financial offer.
Now however it appears both clubs have fallen short of luring what was the biggest fish in this year’s trade and free agency discussion.
Carlton are expected to turn their attention to small forwards Tom Papley and Jack Martin, and are believed to be hoping to land both.
Hawthorn have been linked to pursuing out-of-contract Adelaide midfielder Hugh Greenwood, and, knowing the Hawks, probably have some deals up their sleeve we won’t see coming.
“This club has become home for me and in the end the culture and the opportunity are undeniable,” said Coniglio.
“I’m just thrilled to be a Giant for life and keen to continue on our path to becoming an even greater club. For me that’s the biggest driver and something I’ll aspire to do with my next seven plus years here.
“Clearly I had a lot to weigh up given I was looking to make a long-term commitment. In the end the opportunity here at the Giants to do something unique with some incredible people was just too great to turn down.”
The news should provide a handy boost to the Giants’ morale as they gear up to play in what will be their fourth consecutive finals campaign.
They host the Western Bulldogs in the second elimination final on Saturday next week at GIANTS Stadium.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Gary Ablett Senior doorman at Visy Park now? :silly:
Dean
Guest
Not many players do return to their peak form but his running in the second half was improving each week. I think he can be a solid contributor next year.
Mark.
Roar Rookie
He’s contracted so it’s the Blues that have to front up.
Slane
Guest
Maybe one day Mihochek will win a flag like Kane Lambert? Plucked from Williamstown by our astute money ball recruiting team at the Tiges. Collingwood offered Lynch more money than Richmond. That's how good the recruiting team at Collingwood are. Lynch has been absolutely vital for Richmond this season. He stepped up and won us games off his own boot and his leadership has been commented upon by everybody at the club. I'm not even sure if Richmond make the 8 this year without him. That's how important he has been.
Slane
Guest
No need to apologize, Maxine. You can talk as long or as little as you like about whatever topic that tickles your fancy. I just thought your comment was hypocritical. Quite obviously you enjoy using the reply button to let people know you agree/disagree. This is a good thing. Just be aware that you are actually commenting in a public forum for strangers to read. Surely the only possible reason for doing so is to engender a reply/reaction?
Macca
Roar Rookie
Who said it's a fact Sheedy can't coach? Once again you seem to read something different to what was written
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That would be good. Angus Brayshaw joining his bro'. May as well get Hamish at the same time. Then their dad won't worry as much taking the CEO job.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I told everyone back in June Coniglio was staying
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Langdon done deal to Melbourne
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Not disputing your health team have once again worked wonders but Scully May never be back to what he was
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Three of those goals were gifts and he is lazy and slow when he Doesn’t catch it. Right now I prefer the ROI on Mihocek to Lynch.Two way hard runner, big bodied tackler, backs up when it hits the deck and costs $100k a year , plucked as a CHB from Port Melbourne by our astute money ball recruiting team at the Pies
Maxine
Guest
Hi Slane,and I did discuss Sheedy last week and apologise for probably going a post to long,in my defence someone was saying its fact that Sheedy can't coach,not opinion,and seemed to go on while I should have walked away sooner. I'm still learning the who's who of the website,and who is using the Internet for sports discussion and who just wants to argue or barrack for a particular club for the sake of arguement. Of coarse I like discussion and opinion,and look forward to perhaps politely discussing football in the future, No stalking though :stoked:
Munro Mike
Roar Rookie
As a North fan - after we missed on Josh Kelly - - I'm glad that others have missed now on Coniglio as well. It generally is tricky to extract very good players out - - other than lots of money. The Giants - gee there's a bit of talent there still along with Taranto, Whitfield and Hopper with Coniglio (when fit again) and Kelly in the midfield......just need a decent ruck.
Klompy
Guest
You do not know that. Did actually speak to them and they tell you that. Ya Right.
josh
Guest
Wow he must really like Canberra.
asd
Guest
what is this double standard all the clubs pinched gws players then they say the coach cant coach .good he stayed because teams seem to swap players like there bras Why dont the Afl say the hawks can have all the good players
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
It would seem, Maxine, that only you, and the one or two whose shirt-tails you hang onto, never get things wrong. Yet your opinions and chastisements are never supported by conclusive factual information. You're just as guilty as those you admonish. Why is your opinion more important than anyone else's?
Macca
Roar Rookie
And yet here you are potting people for having an opinion. Anyone can have an opinion but anyone is also entitled to challenge that opinion. If you can support your opinion with a well reasoned argument or facts you have nothing to fear from your opinion being challenged.
Macca
Roar Rookie
Maxine - would you prefer people don't share the rumours they hear about player movements? Most people are aware that posters on here aren't involved with the clubs and accept rumours are just that. It seems you are the only one getting upset.
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
I like how he stayed. GWS have a pretty good record of comradeship. Even if the odd mil helps.