Kane Cornes’ advice for shopped around Giant

The GWS Giants are reportedly listening to offers for two-time All-Australian back flanker Lachie Whitfield, but Kane Cornes believes it’s in his best interest to stay.

At least, for one more season.

As reported by Sam Edmund on SEN’s Trade Bell earlier this week, the Giants are willing to listen to offers for contracted defenders Whitfield and Harry Himmelberg as they prepare for a list overhaul.

With Jesse Hogan and Jake Stringer set to depart and Toby Greene exiting for Geelong, the Giants are now willing to shift their attention to the draft, reportedly seeking a first-round pick for Whitfield in the upcoming trade period.

The 32-year-old, who is contracted for one more season at a reported $1 million, is being urged to stay for another year by Kane Cornes, with the AFL’s newest club an option thereafter.

“Go to Tassie, Lachie. Just hold out and go to Tassie,” Cornes told SEN Locked In.

“Tassie need as many good players, like yourself, ball use, get your ball movement humming.”

The Tasmania Devils enter the free agency market over the 2027 off-season ahead of their inaugural AFL season in 2028 - coinciding with the expiration of Whitfield's Giants deal.

“He is a highly in-demand type of player, Lachie Whitfield,” Cornes continued.

“These guys are playing for 34. Merrett is 30, he’s going to sign a four-year deal.

“I’m not saying Whitfield is Merrett, but he is an All-Australian calibre player with some genuine attributes.

“So just hold out, take your million which is back-ended and owed to you, then go to Tassie, get yourself three or four years and extend your career.

“That’s what I’d be doing.”

Sam Edmund – who has had his finger on the pulse across the Giants’ rumoured desires – understands GWS’ perspective on the deal.

“That’s what you’d be doing if you’re Lachie, but if you’re the Giants… next year he’s a free agent,” Edmund said.

“You can’t do anything and you go for nothing - You get screwed if you’re GWS!”

Cornes: “Too bad!”

The trade period commences on October 5.