GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel has re-signed with the Giants until the end of the 2019 season, and hopes in-demand teammate Josh Kelly will soon follow in his footsteps.
While Shiel hasn't been the target of a multimillion dollar deal like Kelly, Victorian clubs have been after his services for years, but put pen to paper on a new deal to stay at GWS on Monday night.
“The real question I face is do I want to stay for team success or do I want to return to Melbourne where I will get more money,” Shiel said.
“I’ve spoken to blokes like (three-time premiership player) Steve Johnson and Brett Deledio and they have both said money isn’t everything but team success is more important.
"It is something that drives me and the playing group. For us to get there we need to make personal sacrifices.”
Shiel - along with Kelly - have been foundation members of the Giants, and have struck up quite the friendship in their years at the Giants.
The 24-year-old says he knows his friend wants to stay at the club, but admits the decision will be based on more than just Kelly's playing career.
“Josh’s decision is in a league of its own,” Shiel said regarding the choice Kelly now has to make.
“I’m really close to him and have a lot to do with him outside the footy club.
“I know Josh wants to remain at this footy club and I hope he stays and continues to buy into the footy club.
“He has to consider his life as well and life after footy. It’s an enormous amount of money he has been offered and puts him in a really difficult situation.”
Giants General Manager of Football Wayne Campbell said the re-signing is an important step in the future of the club.
“We’re delighted to have Dylan re-commit until the end of the 2019 season,” Campbell said.
“He continues to develop as a leader of this club and is a big part of our future.
“To have Dylan join Jon Patton, Zac Williams, Adam Tomlinson and Matt Flynn in re-committing to the GIANTS already this year is important for both the present and the future of the club.”
