GWS coach Adam Kingsley remains 'hopeful' in-demand off-contract defender Leek Aleer will be a Giants player beyond this year, but has conceded he doesn't "spend a lot of time on it".
Aleer has emerged as a player of interest to rival clubs given his talent, place on the fringes of senior selection and contract status, with St Kilda and Carlton among the clubs to be identified as keen suitors.
The mature-aged 2021 draftee out of Central Districts only broke into Kingsley's side for the first time this year last week, playing a versatile role in defence for the Giants.
The appearance was just the 13th game in Aleer's career, with the 195cm stopper spending most of his time in orange in the VFL.
Kingsley has been left pleased with Aleer's return to the senior side, hoping he's an asset for the future.
"I don't spend a lot of time on it. I kind of focus on making our team as good as it can be," Kingsley said was quizzed on Aleer.
"We've gone the way of Leek being a part of this team at the moment, and hopefully in the future beyond this year.
"But we'll keep assessing that, and what we think is best for our team."
Aleer slotted into the Giants' defence to take on the Blues in Round 11 alongside incumbent key defenders Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley, with Aleer going head-to-head with the Blues' small threats.
Kingsley was rapt with Aleer's return, with a new role potentially in play this week when the Giants face a taller Richmond forward line.
"It was a tick, and we'll continue to find out whether that's the case or not," Kingsley said of Aleer's role.
"Leek was playing on small players last week and looked really good, not only in defending his direct opponent, but supporting every contest around him. He had a lot of spoils that were really good ones.
"That gave us a bit of confidence that they can all play together."
Aleer last re-signed with the Giants in 2022, penning a two-year deal that took his contract to the end of the current season.
