Stephen Coniglio turns down massive offers from rival clubs to stay with Greater Western Sydney

He’s been one of the most talked about free agents in history. But after months of contract speculation, Stephen Coniglio will stay a Giant. Mark Robinson reveals the exclusive details of the monster deal.

Stephen Coniglio will stay a Giant.

The free-agent midfielder has committed his future to Greater Western Sydney, agreeing to a seven-year deal, the longest contract in the history of the expansion club.

The deal almost certainly guarantees him $1 million a season.

Coniglio, 25, was being wooed by Hawthorn, Carlton, West Coast and St Kilda.

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The offers from those four clubs were greater than what the Giants offered, some tipping the rivals hit $1.3 million a season.

A future captain of the Giants, it’s believed the culture, direction and leadership at the club played a pivotal role in Coniglio’s decision.

The announcement follows the re-signing of superstar midfielder Josh Kelly in April this year.

Kelly also fielded million-dollar offers from rival clubs.

Stephen Coniglio will stay with GWS. Picture: AAP Images

The two key signatures are massive for the Giants, who continually ward off Victorian raiders.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson recently confirmed he had spoken to Coniglio.

Coniglio’s housemate in Sydney, Jon Patton, is expected to play for the Hawks next year, and Coniglio’s good mate Jaeger O’Meara is also at the Hawks.

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But it was the Giants who won out.

They have maintained a confidence this year Coniglio would re-sign with the club.

“I’d love for him to have signed six months ago,” coach Leon Cameron said recently.

“I know media speculation (has) ramped it up … but I had a really good chat to Stephen and from my point of view, unless I’m blinded, I don’t see anything different.

“Would I like him to sign right now? Absolutely. I think the club is handling it as well as we possibly can under the circumstances.”

Mask on. Seven years. 🧡 #NeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/1w0r8nsD3v

— GWS GIANTS (@GWSGIANTS) August 27, 2019

His re-signing would please AFL boss Gillon McLachlan.

McLachlan recently said he hoped Coniglio would stay at the Giants, which surprisingly drew criticism.

Coniglio was averaging 28.5 disposals, 10.4 contested possessions, 5.3 clearances and had kicked 15 goals from 14 games before he was injured this year.

He is a possibility to play in the Giants’ elimination final against the Western Bulldogs.

YEWWWWW! @stephenconiglio 🧡 https://t.co/9o6uxBYK9E

— Josh Kelly (@JoshKelly22_) August 27, 2019

Just brilliant 😍🥰😍 @stephenconiglio https://t.co/qWZeKn7YE6

— Phil Davis (@phildavis_1) August 27, 2019