Josh Kelly locked in, GWS Giants shift focus to Stephen Coniglio

Stephen Coniglio’s signature has become a priority for GWS, who will give the in-demand AFL restricted free agent as long as he needs to make a decision.

Josh Kelly, who was pursued by multiple clubs in Melbourne, has signed a two-year contract extension.

Interest in Coniglio, who extended a bright start to 2019 with another dominant performance in the Giants’ derby win, is already feverish and he is expected to command a salary of more than $1 million a season.

Rather than force the hand of the foundation Giant or engage in hardball tactics, the club will continue to adopt the same patient approach that Kelly praised on Wednesday.

“Clearly Stephen is a priority for us. He’s been here since day one ... he’s seen as a future captain,” GWS chief executive David Matthews said.

“Those discussions will just progress as they need to. There’s no pressure from our end, he’s playing unbelievable football and we’re confident that he’ll see, as Josh has, that this is a place he wants to commit to.

“Sometimes it’s a case of just allowing people the time and space to concentrate on the season ... if he’s comfortable then we’re comfortable and we’ll get to it at some point.

“We’ve got a great track record of retaining the priority players that we’ve wanted to keep.”

Speculation continues to bubble but Coniglio, who booted fours goals while captaining GWS last Saturday, is yet to give any indication he is seriously considering a move.

“Who is saying I’m leaving?” the midfielder fired back during last Sunday’s Footy Show, when asked how hard it would be to walk away from the expansion club.

Coach Leon Cameron has repeatedly expressed confidence about Coniglio and Kelly, who praised the Giants’ approach to talks.

“The club has been great ... supportive and never too much (pressure),” Kelly said.

Kelly hopes his decision will have an impact on Coniglio but added he won’t be “jumping on his back and forcing him to make a decision”.

“Having dealt from experience, it’s not something you need heaps of people coming up and chatting to you about,” the 24-year-old said.

Adam Tomlinson is also yet to recommit to GWS, while the recent form of veterans Heath Shaw and Shane Mumford suggest the Giants could re-sign them for 2020.

Kelly admitted on Wednesday that it was “a tough decision” and the lure of returning to Victoria will always loom large but he loves the club and Sydney is now home.

Kelly will be with the Giants until at least the end of the 2021 season, when he’ll be eligible for free agency and 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.

“All parties are pretty clear on what the potential is beyond the two years,“ Mathews said.