Lachie Whitfield set to stay at GWS and rebuff Victorian clubs
RUMOURS linking Lachie Whitfield to a move back to Victoria has been slammed as “garbage” by his manager, who says the Giants star is close to signing a new contract.
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VICTORIAN clubs hoping to lure Lachie Whitfield home are out of luck with the star midfielder set to sign a contract extension with Greater Western Sydney.
The 2012 No.1 draft pick has enjoyed a brilliant season after overcoming a late start due to an AFL ban.
He is contracted for 2018 but has been linked to clubs including Hawthorn and St Kilda.
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His manager Tom Petroro said the rumours were “garbage”, and Whitfield, 23, was content at the Giants.
He said when the dust settled on the season he would sign an extension.
“Lachie is as happy as he has been there,” Petroro said.
“GWS is keen to consider a contract extension and I couldn’t see that being an issue. But parties will sit down at the end of the year.”
Giants football boss Wayne Campbell said Whitfield was invested in the club and happy in Sydney.
“He couldn’t be more comfortable,” Campbell said.
“He missed the start of the year and is from Melbourne and so, when we sign one (player), people move on to the next person. But he couldn’t be more comfortable here.”
Hawthorn made clear this week it had neither the salary cap room nor draft picks to mount a bid for Whitfield.
With his contested ball winning ability, speed and skills, Whitfield would be a perfect fit for the Saints.
Devon Smith and Josh Kelly have put contract negotiations on hold until the club’s finals commitments are over.
Smith seems increasingly likely to leave for a club such as Geelong after failing to accept the Giants’ best offer.
Meanwhile, Steve Johnson will attempt to push his claims for a finals recall in a practice match at AAMI Stadium today.
Johnson will join 17 Giants teammates in playing an Adelaide reserves side. He might spend more time through the midfield after being overlooked for the qualifying final against the Crows.
Ryan Griffen will also make his return from injury, his first game since the Round 3.
He suffered a syndesmosis sprain then needed more time on the sidelines, but will join a host of GWS players, including Tim Taranto and Will Setterfield, in pushing their senior claims.
The Giants now have only three injured players.
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