GWS have entered initial talks with Finn Callaghan's management on a new contract, with the star midfielder's current deal ending at the close of this season.
Callaghan is predicted to continue improving on a breakout 2024 season that saw the 21-year-old play 24 games at AFL level, averaging career-highs in disposals, tackles, and inside 50s per game.
The former Pick 3 will play a key part in GWS' flag tilt in 2025 after the exits of James Peatling and Isaac Cumming, with Peatling previously contending with Callaghan for the centre bounce position before his move to Adelaide.
Entering his fourth season, Callaghan is likely to become a prominent figure at the centre circle alongside Stephen Coniglio and Tom Green.
A Victorian-born product, Callaghan has received interest from St Kilda, who boasts a war chest of salary cap space to chase and attract star talent. The Saints have also reportedly weighed up a lucrative $12 million offer to Carlton's Tom De Koning.
After yearning for Callaghan to enter contract talks, the star's manager Tom Seccull from Hemisphere Management Group met with the Giants in Sydney last week to discuss the Victorian's future, perย AFL.com.au's Callum Twomey.
Preliminary discussions have now begun, with GWS offering numerous options to Callaghan for his next deal, including a four-year option that would take him to free agency.
It is expected from clubs that a deal for Callaghan would likely cost $1 million per season, although, with St Kilda's deep pockets, a larger offer could potentially be presented to the 21-year-old.
The Giants faced Sydney on Friday in their opening pre-season match with Callaghan a central part of GWS' midfield.
Callaghan will gear up again with the club to face Carlton in the Community Series on February 28, before a Sunday Opening Round clash against Collingwood on March 9.
