GWS upbeat Josh Kelly will re-sign soon
Jun 21, 2017 - 3:21 AM Greater Western Sydney are confident Josh Kelly will preference culture above cash, with the AFL's recently-brokered pay deal set to fast-track the young gun's decision.Kelly, who has taken his game to another level this year, is one of the most in-demand players in the competition.
The 22-year-old is weighing up a return home to Melbourne. Rival clubs have dangled an almighty carrot in the form of a nine-year deal worth approximately $1 million a season.
Kelly would pocket a smaller wage at the Giants but his current club is clearly much closer to a premiership than the likes of North Melbourne and St Kilda.
Tuesday's announcement, which spelled out the salary cap for coming seasons, means the midfielder is one step closer to a decision.
"He's really confident in the footy club and hopefully it can get done in the next couple of weeks," GWS coach Leon Cameron said on Wednesday.
"We feel as though Josh would not be making the decision based purely on money.
"He'll be making his decision on the culture of the footy club and that's why I'm confident Josh will end up hopefully staying.
"But until that actually happens I'll rest a little but uneasy."
Cameron downplayed the prospect of more clubs joining the bidding war that has heated up over Kelly, or any rivals upping their existing offers.
"I'm pretty sure all clubs would have known that 20 per cent raise was probably coming, three or four months out, so they would have taken that into consideration," he said.
However, Cameron admitted the agreement could prompt a flood of re-signings around the country.
"You'd probably think so," he said.
"Will it fast-track Josh? Hopefully."
Cameron was also bullish about Kelly's chances of facing Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday.
The on-baller jarred his hip last weekend and didn't train on Wednesday.
"There's still a little bit of confidence that he can get up and play," Cameron said.
"He'll train hopefully on Friday and put his hand up.
"We're not going to risk him ... but we'll give him every opportunity."
In better news for the injury-hit club, defender Nick Haynes (hamstring) and forward Rory Lobb (groin) both trained well on Wednesday.
Cameron indicated at least one of Haynes and Lobb will face the Lions, possibly both.
"Haynes is maybe just in front," he said.
Haynes hasn't played AFL since round six, while Lobb has missed three matches.
Source: AAP
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