GWS midfielder Josh Kelly has resisted the urge to enter the free agency market, re-signing with the Giants for a further eight years.
Star GWS midfielder Josh Kelly will stay a Giant after triggering an eight-year AFL contract extension worth a reported $8 million.
Kelly had the chance to enter the free agency market at the end of the season, with North Melbourne one of a number of cashed-up suitors ready to snap him up.
The Giants initially set a deadline of July 31 for Kelly to make his decision, but they extended it due to the extenuating circumstances of the COVID-19 breakout in NSW and GWS being forced to flee the state.
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After weeks of talk about where Kelly will land, the Giants announced on Tuesday that the 2017 All-Australian will be staying put.
“I couldn’t be happier to commit my future to the Giants as I see big things coming for the club,” the 26-year-old Kelly said.
“I’ve been a Giant since being drafted in 2013 and after weighing everything up, just can’t wait to continue building on what we have here at the Giants.
“The club has grown considerably since I’ve arrived. We’ve got a strong track record of playing finals football and I believe the best is yet to come for the Giants.
“I can’t wait for what lies ahead for this team and the club.”
Kelly is set to join Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene, Lachie Whitfield, and Nick Haynes as players who will spend their entire careers at the Giants.
In 19 games this year, Kelly has averaged 25.6 possessions and 3.7 clearances a game, as well as kicking 15 goals.
The Giants sit in eighth spot on the AFL ladder and might need to win their final two games in order to secure a finals berth.
Power
Guest
Josh Kelly did not play Friday Night when his team really needed him. Luckily they still won as Geelong had 25 scoring shots to 19. Kelly trained Sat morning but only plays if hes cherry ripe as reported on triple m. Would have been a big story if GWS lost and he'd been too soft to go. 100/1 he lasts another 8 years at GWS.
.kraM
Roar Rookie
We have
Dave
Roar Rookie
Could be more right than you know!
Dave
Roar Rookie
Agree on all parts. Have the Swans got value for money in Buddy? I’m not so sure myself.
justif01
Guest
Buddy is an elite key forward and has justified his contract but Josh Kelly is a good inside mid but not an elite one.
acdc1999
Guest
GWS probably have the cap space to give Josh Kelly after Jeremy Cameron left at the end of last year but whether they should is highly debatable. He is a good player but it's very hard to justify an eight year deal for anything less than an elite player. This is especially considering their history of salary cap problems.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
No , we need him more than you Macca but no salary space
Andrew
Guest
They probably eyeing off when McGovern gets outta contract thay have a cheaper option.
Macca
Roar Rookie
The Blues re apparently keen and while he is an exciting prospect I am not sure a 195cm marking forward is exactly what we are missing.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I think i heard swans might be or have offered him another one year deal? Some people rate it on whether he wins them a premiership but i don't think thats the be all and end all of that either. There hasn't been many swans games on free to air but from what i hear he's looking pretty good and fit again as well.
Puntroad
Roar Rookie
yes true, and the Buddman may still get them to a prelim or beyond this year which would basically settle the debate!
nics
Roar Rookie
Shades of the huge deal for Gaff (another non contact, albeit endurance athlete) when North were sniffing around... may have hamstrung the Weagles along with the Kelly deal. Are North the AFL equivalent of Manchester United (top players use them to get a better contract)?
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
one knee injury or concussion issue from a disaster.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I think so, look at how much Kelly has just got and compare them against each other as players and game changers, not to mention what buddy would of done off the field for the swans and I think it was a stroke of genius. But everybody has there own view. :stoked:
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Riccardi for a start.
Puntroad
Roar Rookie
has he though? I can't be bothered checking but how many games has he played in the last 3 years; how many goals has he kicked in that time? I'm an admirer of Buddy (who isn't) but from a footy perspective I don't think his deal has worked. Anyway, Buddy is a very rare talent and a key forward; Kelly is a running player and will have youngsters nipping at his heels the moment he slows down. I hope it works for both parties but in my view 5 years was the right duration.
Micko
Roar Rookie
:laughing:
Micko
Roar Rookie
Buddy has done well. :thumbup:
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Coach?
Macca
Roar Rookie
I wonder who gets pushed out because of this.