GWS are hoping to have 2022 No.1 draft pick Aaron Cadman re-signed beyond next season soon, with the teenager tipped to eventually be "taking over and being the man" of the Giants' forward line plans going forward.
Cadman, a product out of regional Victoria, remains on his two-year draft contract which will expire at the end of the 2024 season, making the 195cm key forward a key retention target for GWS in the new year.
Giants football boss Jason McCartney has continued discussions with Hemisphere Management Group in regards to Cadman's future, with the New South Wales club keen to lock away their tall forward of the future for the long haul.
GWS are hoping to lock Cadman away "quickly", with the 19-year-old firming as an integral piece in the Giants' push for a maiden AFL premiership after years of losing top-rated talent while in flag contention.
"Jason has been working with his management trying to tie him up for a longer period of time," GWS coach Adam Kingsley told media on Wednesday.
"I don't know exactly where it sits, but as always with these sorts of players, and particularly with Aaron, we're keen to get this done quickly.
"He's a massive part of our future. A big key forward who can win the ball on the ground and in the air. He complements who we have up there (in the forward line) already and I see him in the years to come taking over and being the man.
"We're really keen to lock him away quickly and are quite excited about what he's going to be as a Giants player."
A highlight for Cadman this year came in his second last appearance in the VFL against the Northern Bullants, where the Giants rookie booted eight goals in a dominant outing at the state league level.
That haul came in the middle of a four-game, 16-goal run for the developing forward to end his first year with the Giants.
GWS managed to reach a top four finish at senior level as the likes of Jesse Hogan and Jake Riccardi led Kingsley's front third, with the Giants coach keen to see Cadman place pressure on his incumbent pair this pre-season.
Kingsley said the likes of Cadman and fellow Giants youngster Leek Aleer have returned to training "hungry", mounting pressure on the side that fell one point short of a grand final berth.
"They've come back really well. The guys who weren't necessarily a staple part of the team in the back end of the season have come back hungry," Kinglsey added.
"They're in good shape, that's really healthy for us. I put pressure on the guys who finished in the team last year.
"Year to year teams change, and I'm sure we'll have a couple of new faces in our team to start the season, then it's a matter of holding form and doing the best you possibility can't hold your spot."
The Giants have returned to pre-season training with a predominantly clean bill of health as no players required off-season surgery in the wake of their extensive season.
Veteran Callan Ward is yet to commence his preparations for a 17th season in the AFL, while young wing/forward Darcy Jones has begun to take part in key drills after suffering an ACL injury earlier this year.
Inaugural Giant Adam Kennedy currently requires more time in recovery before being introduced into main training as he continues to rehabilitation from an ACL setback sustained in April.
GWS are set to open their 2024 season in Opening Round next year at GIANTS Stadium against reigning premiers Collingwood on Saturday, March 9.
