Josh Kelly keen to stay at GWS Giants despite North Melbourne’s huge contract lure

IN-DEMAND Giants star Josh Kelly has given the strongest indication yet he will stay at GWS beyond 2017 despite North Melbourne’s huge interest.

Giants midfielder Josh Kelly is in demand.

IN-DEMAND Giants star Josh Kelly has given the strongest indication yet he will stay at GWS beyond the 2017 season.

Kelly has reportedly been offered a $9 million nine-year contract to switch to North Melbourne at the end of the season. It is the first time the star midfielder has spoken about his playing future since the deal was made public.

“I love the club,” Kelly said.

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“I love playing footy here and I love my teammates. It’s not causing an issue in my mind right now. This is my fourth year at the Giants and there will be a bunch of things I will take into consideration but I love it here.”

Kelly is not putting a timeline on his decision and will concentrate his energies on on-field matters.

“Right now I’m not thinking about it,” Kelly said.

Josh Kelly is considering a huge offer from North Melbourne.

“I’ll think about it when the time is right. Right now I’m focusing on my footy. It’s week to week for me, I’m feeling no pressure from the club at all which has been fantastic.

“I’m happy with where I’m at, the club is happy and my management is happy. When the time is right, it’s right and it’s not something I’m thinking about constantly.”

Almost every off-contract GWS player who was taken high in the draft has been the subject of interest from other more established clubs. Those who have stayed have often spoken about the prospect of team success, Kelly is talking along similar lines.

“It’s (team success) been building since the day I arrived here,” Kelly said.

“I’m looking at how far we’ve come as a group in the four years since I got here and the two before I arrived. We’ve come a long way and it is a special group. I’ve got great teammates, great coaches and great support staff. We’re focusing on this year and hopefully we’ll be able to do some damage at the end of the year.”

With a multi-million-dollar price tag on his head his teammates haven’t missed the chance to have a laugh at his expense.

Josh Kelly celebrates a goal in the win over the Eagles.

“I haven’t thought about that (the money) too much,” Kelly said.

“I try not to take too much notice of it. It is hard when the boys are ripping into me, there’s no sympathy from them. (Shane) Mumford like everything else his annoying side comes out.”

The speculation surrounding the 22-year-old’s future certainly isn’t affecting his on-field performances. He was again among the Giants’ best in their impressive win over West Coast in Perth on Sunday.

“Come game day it’s not a factor,” Kelly said.

“There is banter around the club but it’s nothing more than that. It’s not weighing me down.”

Originally published as Josh Kelly keen to stay at GWS Giants despite North Melbourne’s huge contract lure