Adam Kingsley still hopeful Harry Himmelberg will choose GWS

The window is rapidly closing for the Giants to secure a key player, but coach Adam Kingsley says a deal can still be done.

Free agent Harry Himmelberg remains unsigned beyond 2023. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

GWS coach Adam Kingsley says the Giants cannot do more to convince an uncontracted duo to stay at the club, but their impressive form has helped mount a strong case.

Tall utility Harry Himmelberg and classy halfback Lachie Ash both remain out of contract as the trade and free agency period quickly approaches, but Kingsley says he is still “comfortable” with where talks sit with the pair and hopeful of keeping both on his list.

The Giants are also yet to re-sign Jake Riccardi, who could attract significant rival interest after standing up with three goals in the stirring round 11 win over Geelong and booting five against Fremantle a fortnight ago.

Kingsley said the form of his side, which came off the bye to beat Melbourne in Alice Springs and has won four of its last five games, was doing no harm in convincing the uncontracted Giants to stick around.

Harry Himmelberg was in the thick of GWS celebrations after the nailbiting win over Melbourne in Alice Springs. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

“It shows the direction in which we’re going and the pathway we want to try and create at the club,” he said.

“All those guys are well aware of our plans around the club, where we see ourselves going, how we want to play, where they fit into that, so I think that’s really clear for them and ultimately they need to make a decision based on how confident they are in that.

“As (Giants list boss Jason McCartney) and I have said, we’re comfortable with where it sits, yes we haven’t got their signatures yet and we’d like that as soon as possible, but we’re pretty comfortable and confident that those guys will stay with us.”

Matthew Flynn and Braydon Preuss are also out of contract, with both likely to be targeted by other clubs looking for big men as new GWS first choice Kieren Briggs rockets towards the top bracket of ruckmen in the league.

Giants speedster Brent Daniels will have to get through a full training session on Thursday to be picked to face the Hawks at Giants Stadium on Saturday. Picture: Morgan Hancock / Getty Images

Xavier O’Halloran signed a one-year deal until the end of 2023 when he was left in limbo over the off-season last year, but a breakout season at half-forward and on the wing has him certain to secure an extension.

Kingsley said Brent Daniels was “touch and go” to join O’Halloran in the Giants forward line against Hawthorn on Saturday as the speedster tries to overcome a hamstring tear that has sidelined him since round 12.

“He’s a chance, he’s probably touch and go I would think. He needs to get through the main training session for us to consider playing him, so I’m not sure which way that will go,” Kingsley said.

“He still had a little bit of soreness last week, so we decided not to play him at either level.

“We’ll see how that unfolds on Thursday and we’ll make a decision.”

Originally published as Adam Kingsley still hopeful Harry Himmelberg will choose GWS