GWS midfielder Josh Kelly has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him remain a Giant until at least the end of the 2019 season.
A number of Victorian clubs were keen on Kelly's services, and North Melbourne had reportedly tabled a long-term, multi-million dollar deal to the 22-year-old, although the All-Australian decided to stay in Sydney.
โIโm really excited to remain a GIANT,โ Kelly told gwsgiants.com.au.
โThis club has been my home for four years and Iโm thrilled this will continue.
โItโs been a big year but the time was right now to make a decision ahead of what is no doubt going to be a really big game.
โI love this club and being part of building what weโre working to create here.โ
Since joining the club with the second pick in the 2013 National Draft, Kelly has played 83 games over the past four seasons, and has only missed one match in 2017.
Kelly has elevated him game this season and become one of the league's elite midfielders, and was rewarded with his first All-Australian selection.
Across his impressive campaign, Kelly has averaged 29.6 disposals, 6.4 tackles, 4.9 inside 50s, 4.8 clearances and 3.5 marks per game.
โWeโre thrilled Josh has re-signed with the club,โ GWS' General Manager of Football Wayne Campbell told the club's website.
โWe know it was a big decision for him and one he didnโt take lightly and itโs a huge endorsement for our football club that this is where he wants to be.
โJosh is highly valued member of the playing group both on and off the field and thatโs why weโre so excited by his re-signing.
โHeโs already a leader of our club and weโre really looking forward to his next few seasons.โย
The re-signing comes at an exciting time for GWS, with the Giants set to take on Richmond at the MCG in the preliminary final on Saturday afternoon.
