Leon Cameron remains “really confident” that star midfielder Josh Kelly will stay with GWS beyond the end of the 2021 season.
The Age’s Jake Niall reported on Tuesday that several clubs in Melbourne had stepped up their interest in the 26-year-old “in the knowledge that he’s gettable”.
As a result of the terms of his two-year extension he signed back in 2019, the Giants will commit to Kelly for a further eight years if he does decide to stay beyond the end of this season.
Cameron said he understood the speculation, but was confident he would re-commit to the club in the coming months.
“I’m really comfortable,” Cameron said on Sportsday when asked whether he’s still happy with Kelly’s proposed eight-year deal amid the current COVID climate where contracts have been slashed.
“I understand there’s going to be (speculation), like every year we have challenges and opportunities for players who are out of contract.
“We’re really comfortable, he’s settled in Sydney and has a lovely partner here and we welcome him staying for eight years and are really confident that’s going to happen.”
Kelly was one of a number of players that struggled during the club’s 31-point loss to Fremantle last Sunday.
Cameron revealed that he “battled through” illness during the clash and was “really proud” that he decided to play.
“Josh was a bit crook on the weekend going into the game,” he said.
“We battled through with it and I was really proud that he put his hand up and continued on playing.
“There’s no doubt he gives us that variety, his speed and ability to go inside and outside. At times he plays as a filler on the wing as well and no doubt he compliments our inside bulls.”