GWS midfielder Jacob Hopper has agreed to a contact extension that will keep him in the harbour city's west until he reaches free-agency status.
The 24-year-old's fresh two-year extension will tie him to the club until the cessation of the 2023 season.
The New South Wales-born bull told AFL Media that although his plans were always to repay the faith the Giants' faith for selecting him with a top-10 selection in 2015, he was adamant that he wanted to wait until his season was officially over before agreeing to terms.
"I felt really locked in all year and we were making a real push (to finals) and I committed to taking a breath at the end of the year and doing it," Hopper revealed.
"I think everyone was really comfortable with where it was at all year, everyone knew my intention and how I just wanted to play and make a great decision at the end of the year.
"The focus was solely on footy, especially after last year and not making finals for the first time since I've been at the Giants was hugely disappointing. I wanted to make sure we were back playing finals and to make sure I was contributing in a really significant way."
Although the Giants once again fell short of claiming an inaugural premiership cup this year, Hopper's recommittal means that the league's youngest side will enter the next pair of seasons with key names Lachie Whitfield, Josh Kelly, Tim Taranto, Tom Green and skipper, Stephen Coniglio on their books.
Hopper explained that these aforesaid shows of faith were enough to consolidate his decision to stay on under Leon Cameron's stewardship.
"To see that and good people, good players willing to be part of it contributes to any decision like this," he said.
"To see the youth and some of the guys step up this year and have breakout years and see younger guys with a want to improve it puts the club in a great spot."
Despite being made to wait for Hopper's handshake, GWS head of football Jason McCartney stated that the delay never had him sweating.
"We've said all year we were really confident Jacob would remain a Giant but it's great to officially confirm it," the former Kangaroo said.
"Jacob's had an outstanding season - and that's been recognised across the competition - but he's also added tremendously to his leadership skills as an official member of our leadership group."
Having averaged more than 26 disposals across his 23 appearances in 2021, Hopper is seen by many as a near certainty to claim the club's best and fairest award - the Kevin Sheedy Medal.
The twin peaks of the Riverina product's year came in Rounds 9 and 17 when he respectively collected 35 touches and a goal against Richmond and 41 disposals against Gold Coast.
In the face of this latest re-signing, multiple Giants are still waiting on contracts for next season, including Jake Riccardi, Daniel Lloyd, Sam Reid, Matthew Flynn, Zach Sproule, Jake Stein and former captain, Phil Davis.
Should any paperwork fail to arrive due to a squeeze on the club's salary cap, you can be sure that several of these names will garner interest from rival clubs this off-season.
