GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs will leave the Giants this off-season after informing the club he will exercise his rights as an unrestricted free agent.
The call comes amid strong links tying the GWS Academy graduate to Punt Road, with Briggs expected to sign with Richmond early into next month's free agency window.
Briggs managed 18 games under Adam Kingsley this year, a campaign that saw the 26-year-old fall out of favour to second-string tall Nick Madden, before returning to the senior side due to a setback that hampered his teammate.
The big-bodied ruckman debuted with GWS in 2021 and would play a career-high 24 games in a breakout 2024 season.
“Kieren has been a valued member of our playing group over a long period of time both on and off the field,” GWS football boss Jason McCartney confirmed in a club statement.
“It's always a tough time of the year when we need to say farewell to good people, but unfortunately we were not in a position to retain Kieren moving forward.
“We wish Kieren and his family all the best for the next chapter and thank him for his service to the GIANTS.”
Briggs' imminent departure comes after the Giants confirmed both Jake Stringer and Jesse Hogan will also leave the NSW side this off-season.
GWS skipper Toby Greene has also been linked to the exit, and joins Stephen Coniglio, Jake Riccardi and Conor Stone in remaining off-contract at the Giants.
