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.
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.
AAP
