Jacob Hopper re-signs: GWS Giants lock away talented midfielder to new two-year contract

GREATER Western Sydney has secured a huge re-signing on the eve of its finals campaign, with young midfielder Jacob Hopper committing for a further two years.

AFL Round 21. Western Bulldogs vs GWS at Etihad Stadium. GWS Giants Jacob Hopper . Pic: Michael Klein

GREATER Western Sydney has secured a huge re-signing on the eve of its finals campaign, with young midfielder Jacob Hopper committing for a further two years.

Hopper had been out of contract at season’s end, with a host of rival sides including Adelaide, Geelong, Carlton and St Kilda believed to be circling the talented 20-year-old.

However, in what the Giants hope will be the first of many major re-signings ahead of this year’s trade and free agency period, Hopper has penned a two-year extension.

Still one of the premiership favourites after a fourth-placed finish this season, the Giants will now wait anxiously for star midfielder Josh Kelly and forward Devon Smith to do likewise.

Kelly is now the league’s most wanted man after Richmond star Dustin Martin signed a lucrative seven-year contract extension with the Tigers, with the 22-year-old still uncontracted.

Carlton, St Kilda and North Melbourne have registered their interest in Kelly, with Geelong and Collingwood among the teams believed to be vying for Smith’s signature.

Hopper was a member of the GWS academy before being recruited to the club with Pick 7 in the 2015 national draft. He has played 20 games for the Giants, including 10 this year.

He has battled a series of injury issues throughout his two-year stint at the club, but returned for the final four games of this season and is set to take part in its finals campaign.

Originally published as Jacob Hopper re-signs: GWS Giants lock away talented midfielder to new two-year contract