GWS have confirmed the signing of Essendon free agent Jayden Laverde is imminent, with the defender's switch to the Giants to be ticked off following the draft window.
The Bombers confirmed last week that Laverde informed the club of his intentions to join a rival this off-season at the expiry of his contract.
The 29-year-old was recently reported to undergo a medical with GWS as he weighed up his playing future, with the Giants now revealing their intention to sign Laverde in the coming months.
GWS are aiming to have the signing of Laverde secured after the Rookie Draft as a potential Supplemental Selection Period acquisition.
"Jayden Laverde has agreed to join our club, which is great news. That was last week," GWS football boss Jason McCartney confirmed to Trade Radio on Friday.
"That'll be by a mechanism post the Rookie Draft, probably by the SSP period. We'll have a look at that market.
"He'll just give us that flexibility to really plug and play, if required. He's looking forward to evolving his game further and growing in our program."
Laverde will add needed depth to Adam Kingsley's backline stocks, with GWS set to lose Leek Aleer to St Kilda come the trade period.
The Giants youngster was required on 13 occasions this year due to injuries to either Sam Taylor or Jack Buckley.
Laverde brings 145 games of experience, with the seasoned stopper playing 14 games this year despite not being seen as a best 23 player at Essendon.
Setbacks to Jordan Ridley, Ben McKay and Zach Reid saw Laverde feature in Brad Scott's side for most of the recent season, with the 191cm backman averaging 6.93 marks from his 15.43 disposals per game.
The Supplemental Selection Period is expected to open in late November and often runs through to the middle of February for clubs that have open list spots ahead of the new season.
