A taste of life in Melbourne’s AFL bubble has done nothing to sway Josh Kelly’s decision on his playing future, the star midfielder says.
Kelly and his GWS teammates have spent more than three weeks based in Victoria because of Sydney’s COVID-19 battle and are likely to be on the road for the rest of the season.
It has brought Melbourne-raised Kelly closer to family at a time where he is weighing up whether to recommit to the Giants or accept an offer from a rival club in his home state.
“I don’t think being down here changes anything,” Kelly said.
“There’s a number of factors that go into a decision around contracts.
“It’s not something I’m investing too much time into at the moment.
“The club and I are really happy with where things are at and we’ve always said there will be no rush, so everything’s all good at the moment.”
Kelly is due to become a restricted free agent this year but has the option to sign a long-term extension with GWS.
North Melbourne have been strongly linked to another play for Kelly – whose father Phil Kelly played 61 games for the Kangaroos – having missed out when he re-signed with the Giants in 2019.
But the 26-year-old won’t be hurried on a call as he focuses on helping GWS secure a finals berth this season.
“What’s been great for me is the club just giving me time and, like I said, we’re both happy with where things are at,” Kelly said.
“There’s never been a rush in regards to coming to that decision but I’m enjoying my football, things are going well and I’m trying to develop my leadership, so now hasn’t been a time to delve into that and invest too much time into it.
“So while there is things that I need to think about and consider, I think everything’s tracking really well at this stage.”
Kelly will be a central figure for GWS as they attempt to break back into the top eight with a win over Sydney in Ballarat on Saturday.
AAP
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