West Coast Eagles star Andrew Gaff opens up on his future

EXCLUSIVE: IN-DEMAND free agent Andrew Gaff has opened up on the biggest decision of his football career, leaving the door open to re-signing with West Coast before the end of the season as Victorian clubs swirl.

Andrew Gaff has to decide if he wants to stay loyal to the Eagles or shoose a big money offer from a Victorian club. Picture: AAP

IN-DEMAND free agent Andrew Gaff has opened up on the biggest decision of his football career, leaving the door open to re-signing with West Coast before the end of the season.

While fellow restricted free agent Jeremy McGovern has indicated he will put off a decision on his future until after the season, Gaff said his management remained in “constant communication” with the Eagles.

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Andrew Gaff has to decide if he wants to stay loyal to the Eagles or shoose a big money offer from a Victorian club. Picture: AAP

“I still leave it open. I’m in constant talks with my manager and we’ll go from there,” he said.

Now the most talked about free agent in the country in the wake of Rory Sloane’s decision to recommit to Adelaide this week, Gaff described his situation as “a tough decision”.

Of the eight prospective restricted free agents left on the market, Gaff is the only A-grade midfielder still on the table as St Kilda, North Melbourne and Melbourne circle.

In an exclusive interview with The Sunday Times, the 26-year-old wingman also revealed:

■ His pride at playing career-best footy during the current “tough period”;

■ His desire for a long-term contract that would help extend his 171-game career for as long as possible;

■ That playing for Melbourne, the team he grew up supporting, was not an especially big lure;

■ That his family was not pressuring him to return to Victoria.

West Coast are fighting to ensure Gaff doesn’t become their third Victorian club champion to walk out and return home, following Chris Judd in 2007 and Scott Selwood in 2015.

The Eagles want to stop Gaff going the way of superstar Chris Judd.

The Eagles might have to offer the left-footer a six-year deal worth about $4.5m to keep him.

Gaff is averaging a career-high 30.9 disposals per game in 2018. He has also kicked 10 goals, leaving him well-placed to eclipse his career-high mark of 11 goals in 2015.

He believed he was having more impact this season and took inspiration from Richmond star Dustin Martin and Greater Western Sydney young gun Josh Kelly, who refused to let contract negotiations halt their blistering form last season.

“I think being able to hit the scoreboard is something that I’ve taken to a different level this year. (I’m) pretty proud. It’s a tough period,” Gaff said.

“You admire guys like Josh Kelly and Dustin Martin who did it last year throughout the whole year. They got talked about every single week.

“I’m pretty focused on week-to-week and each day, but there comes a time when a decision needs to be made and we’ll figure that out when it comes.”

Gaff has signed a succession of two-year contract extensions since being taken by the Eagles with pick 4 in the 2010 national draft. He now wants to use his free-agency window to secure his future.

“I hope it will be a long-term one and obviously I’d love to play footy for as long as I can,” he said.

“I love playing with my mates and I love playing with teammates and you don’t play footy forever. So as long as I’m playing good consistent football, I’d love to play for as long as I can, as most players would.”

Gaff said finishing his career at the Demons was not a driving attraction.

“It’s not a reason overriding anything. You barrack for a team as a kid and once I was drafted to West Coast you lose that sort of connection instantly,” he said.

“I’ve been here eight years so my allegiances as soon as I got drafted have always been here.”

He also said he was not facing any family pressure to return to his home state after eight years in WA.

Gaff as a teenager with the Oakleigh Chargers.

And with Vic Metro.

Andrew Gaff during his debut season in 2011.

You’ve come a long way, Gaffy. Picture: AFL Media

“They’re happy with whatever I decide and they’re not a pushy family at all. They’re keen to see me happy with whatever I decide,” he said.

A six-year contract would extend Gaff’s time at West Coast until at least the end of 2024 and potentially make him the club’s first player to reach the 300-game milestone.

The 2015 All Australian’s durability is another asset. He has played 165 of the last 166 games, with his only miss in the past seven years coming after he was knocked out in a sickening hit from Port Adelaide defender Tom Jonas two years ago.

The Eagles are involved in complicated ongoing negotiations on three fronts, with McGovern and Scott Lycett other restricted free agents being pursued by rival clubs.

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