AFL Rd 17 - GWS v Melbourne
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Jeremy Cameron of the Giants looks on during the round 17 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Melbourne Demons at The Gabba on September 12, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

GWS are believed to be making a play to retain star forward Jeremy Cameron as they decide to deny trade discussions with Geelong.

Cameron elected the Cats as his ideal destination after exercising his free agency rights, with the Giants matching Geelong's offer and rejecting a first-round pick as compensation.

Fox Sports' Tom Morris reports that Essendon, North Melbourne and Adelaide are prepared to enter discussions with GWS if talks with the Cats fall through.

According to Triple M's Tom Browne, the Giants are still hoping to keep Cameron in Sydney as they leave the Cats frustrated.

“The Giants aren’t talking to Geelong, which is frustrating the Cats,” Browne said on Triple M.

“The Giants are just holding their ground: ‘we’ve matched the bid, we’ll try and convince Jeremy to stay in the meantime’.”

Browne reported that Cameron isn't necessarily unsatisfied with staying in the Harbour city.

“He’s going to get money, the same money, from Geelong or the Giants and I don’t think he’s that unhappy in Sydney,” Browne said.

“It’s a pretty interesting situation.”

The Giants' decision to hold off on discussions with Geelong could force the Cats to offer more than originally hoped, but could leave the Giants in a difficult situation if talks stall close to next Thursday's deadline.

“It ... forces Geelong to come up - I wouldn’t say grovelling - but to come back to the Giants with players and a suitable deal,” Browne reported.

“I know for a fact that it’s frustrating Geelong and some key people down there. There’s not much more they can do about it at this stage.”