Jack Buckley has reaffirmed his faith in the direction of the GWS Giants after inking a four-year extension, securing his future until the end of 2030, while Ryan Angwin and James Leake have also penned new contracts.
Buckley was already signed for next season, but amid becoming one of the competition's reliable defenders, combining with Sam Taylor and Harry Himmelberg, the Giants' decision was an easy one.
The 27-year-old joined the expansion club as a Category B Rookie ahead of the 2018 campaign, but didn't debut until two years later.
Since Buckley has become a dominant force in the GWS defence, playing 85 matches, including all 26 in 2023.
He was welcomed into the club's leadership group this season and proved his worth while being absent through injury, as the Giants bowed out in last week's elimination final.
"Jack is the type of player every club wants - tough, reliable, and incredibly selfless," the Giants' EGM of Football, Jason McCartney, said.
"His journey hasn't been easy. To being overlooked early on, to then being picked up as a Category B Rookie and then overcoming a serious ACL injury to return and not only hold his spot, but become one of the premier key defenders in the competition, is a testament to his resilience and professionalism.
"Jack's one-on-one ability, calmness under pressure, and leadership in the backline have made him a key pillar of our team, and we're thrilled to have him committed to the Giants for another four years to take him through until the end of 2030.
"We continue to re-sign key players well into the future, which is a testament to not only the culture we've built but the exciting future we all see for the club."
Angwin's new deal until the end of 2028 is on the back of an impressive back half of the year, featuring in the last 10 matches of the season, including the elimination final.
"Ryan has had to work through his fair share of challenges early in his career, but he's shown great resilience, and more importantly, he's shown he can be a really solid contributor to our side," McCartney said.
"Whether it's on the wing or across half-back, he plays with maturity and consistency beyond his years, and the impact he's had across the second half of the season at AFL level is a great reflection of his professionalism, talent and toughness.
"We're thrilled to have Ryan commit to the Giants through 2028, and we look forward to seeing his continued development as part of this exciting group."
Leake also extended until the end of 2028, adding two years to his current deal.
The 19-year-old debuted this season, playing three games, but continues to "bang down the door" for more AFL opportunity.
"James is a really exciting young talent and we know he's got a bright future at the club," McCartney said.
"He's a natural footballer who reads the game exceptionally well, and he's continued to show he's a class above at VFL level and really banging down the door for more opportunities in our AFL side."
The trio of new deals fall in line with multiple teammates who have also committed well into the future.
Finn Callaghan (2029), Aaron Cadman (2030), Sam Taylor (2032), Darcy Jones (2028), Connor Idun (2032), and Brent Daniels (2031) have all committed to the club for the long term.
