GWS foundation player Adam Tomlinson says his recent brief omission from the side was a tough pill to swallow, but he loves the AFL club, though he still remains unsigned for next season.
Tomlinson was happy for GWS to first lock in other off contract players including star midfielders Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio, which they have done.
In past years the Victorian has been linked to clubs in his home state and that speculation has returned in recent months with him yet to commit to GWS beyond 2019.
The 26-year-old’s utility value makes him an attractive proposition for other clubs, but his focus is on preparing to play Richmond in Saturday’s grand final.
Tomlinson, who is fifth on the Giants’ all-time appearance list on 139 games, hasn’t ruled out staying with GWS.and lavished praise on the organisation.
“It’s an amazing place, we’ve got the best coaches and the best team and I love that I’ve been here since the very start and Sydney is a wonderful place to live,”Tomlinson told AAP.
“There’s a lot of water to go under the bridge and whatever happens, happens.
“But at the same time I’ve emphasised a lot how much I love this football club and would love to stay, fingers crossed.”
Tomlinson went two years without missing a game before he was dropped for the Giants’ first finals match of the current campaign.
“(Coach) Leon (Cameron) and I had some really good discussions over that week and my form had been up and down a little bit and it’s just one of those things,” Tomlinson said.
“We came up against the Bulldogs they had some really good players through the midfield and we wanted to take a few match-ups on them and unfortunately it meant that I missed out.
‘It was a tough pill to swallow, but at the same time it gives you that hunger and thirst to get back in the side.”
Surely the most versatile player in GWS’s short history, Tomlinson’s height and his famed running ability have made him a troubleshooter capable of filling any role..
“I’ve played every position I think,” he said.
He is likely to switch between the wing and ruck for Saturday’s game.