GWS coach Adam Kingsley says the Giants cannot do more to convince an uncontracted duo to stay at the club, but their impressive form has helped mount a strong case.
Tall utility Harry Himmelberg and classy halfback Lachie Ash both remain out of contract as the trade and free agency period quickly approaches, but Kingsley says he is still “comfortable” with where talks sit with the pair and hopeful of keeping both on his list.
Himmelberg has been linked to clubs including Sydney, Richmond and Brisbane, with the swingman one of the hottest properties on the market.
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He’s in line for a contract at over $700,000 over five years, according to at least one report, meaning the Giants could land a first-round pick for him as compensation – giving them three in the top 10 (if both they and Richmond, whose pick they own, miss the finals).
The Giants are also yet to re-sign Jake Riccardi, who could attract significant rival interest after standing up with three goals in the stirring round 11 win over Geelong and booting five against Fremantle a fortnight ago. Hawthorn has been linked to the 2019 draftee.
Kingsley said the form of his side, which came off the bye to beat Melbourne in Alice Springs and has won four of its last five games, was doing no harm in convincing the uncontracted Giants to stick around.
“It shows the direction in which we’re going and the pathway we want to try and create at the club,” he said.
“All those guys are well aware of our plans around the club, where we see ourselves going, how we want to play, where they fit into that, so I think that’s really clear for them and ultimately they need to make a decision based on how confident they are in that.
“As (Giants list boss Jason McCartney) and I have said, we’re comfortable with where it sits, yes we haven’t got their signatures yet and we’d like that as soon as possible, but we’re pretty comfortable and confident that those guys will stay with us.”
Matthew Flynn and Braydon Preuss are also out of contract, with both likely to be targeted by other clubs looking for big men as new GWS first choice Kieren Briggs rockets towards the top bracket of ruckmen in the league.
Xavier O’Halloran signed a one-year deal until the end of 2023 when he was left in limbo over the off-season last year, but a breakout season at half-forward and on the wing has him certain to secure an extension.
Kingsley said Brent Daniels was “touch and go” to join O’Halloran in the Giants forward line against Hawthorn on Saturday as the speedster tries to overcome a hamstring tear that has sidelined him since round 12.
“He’s a chance, he’s probably touch and go I would think. He needs to get through the main training session for us to consider playing him, so I’m not sure which way that will go,” Kingsley said.
“He still had a little bit of soreness last week, so we decided not to play him at either level.
“We’ll see how that unfolds on Thursday and we’ll make a decision.”
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