In-demand star Josh Kelly will consider much more than money as he chooses whether to stay or leave Greater Western Sydney, says teammate Dylan Shiel.
The Giants remain optimistic of keeping the off-contract 22-year-old but are realistic about the lucrative offers streaming in.
Among them is a nine-year North Melbourne deal worth around $1 million a season while St Kilda and Carlton – also in his home city – have also taken an interest in his searing form.
While the Giants cannot match that level of offer, the expansion club’s far higher premiership prospects are enticing.
Shiel, who re-signed in 2015 despite significant temptations elsewhere, said there was far more at stake for Kelly than financial gain.
“Of course people are going to look at it and go, ‘Josh is facing a money dilemma, whether he comes home for a lot of money or he stays for still a lot of money’, in terms of what the general public are used to,” Shiel told radio station RSN927 on Wednesday.
“But it’s more than just a dollar decision for players. He’s got an opportunity to move back home with his family and be with his friends in his natural home surroundings, so it’s an incredibly difficult decision to make.
As the bidding war escalates, the Giants remain in close contact with Kelly’s manager and family.
Coach Leon Cameron hoped a new deal would be locked up sooner rather than later.
“Hopefully it’s a matter of time but as everyone knows, the longer these go on the harder it becomes,” Cameron said after training on Tuesday.
“In saying that, some players like to defer it to the end of the year.
“I’m not saying that’s going to happen but it could happen, or Josh could turn around in the next few days and say he’s ready to roll.”