AFL 2023: GWS Giants star Harry Himmelberg in talks to stay at club on new contract as rivals circle

The Giants are the form team in the AFL right now, but rival clubs are circling as they look to lock down one of the competitions most in demand players.

Harry Himmelberg says contract talks with GWS Giants are “progressing well” as he looks to make a call on his AFL future. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

He’s one of the most in-demand free agents this season but Harry Himmelberg says discussions are moving in the right direction to keep him at the Giants.

Himmelberg has played 144 games for GWS since being taken in the first round of the 2015 draft.

Reports have suggested that Sydney is chasing the versatile big man, while Collingwood and Essendon have also been linked.

But with the Giants currently on a six-game winning streak, the good times are rolling for the men in orange and Himmelberg admits it would be nice if it continued.

“Things are progressing well,” Himmelberg said. “We’re getting to the stage where we want to get to now.

“I let my manager cover most of that stuff, I like to try and stay out of that to focus on footy.

“But I’m happy where I am at the moment. We’ll see where it goes.”

Himmelberg was a standout once again for the Giants in their win against Gold Coast on Sunday.

A permanent place in the backline has brought the best out of Himmelberg. Picture: Getty Images.

He finished with 26 disposals, 12 marks and 10 intercept possessions as GWS’ steadfast defence only conceded three goals after half time.

The 27-year-old’s flexibility to play forward or back has long been considered one of his greatest strengths, but having a set role as part of a defence that has become the best in the competition is a challenge he is relishing.

“It’s definitely easier with a little bit of consistency in your role,” Himmelberg said.

“I don’t mind switching wherever the team needs me, but the continuity really helps and working on the back of your teammates is important in modern footy.

“[Intercept marking] is part of our system and getting to know each other and our positioning. That’s what you want to be doing, turning the footy over, not letting the opposition get marks on you. I’ve had to work pretty hard on that this year.

“We’ve also got a bit of continuity now as far as the same back six that’s rolling through every week. Going into finals, that’s exactly what you need.”

Himmelberg (C) played an important role in the Giants’ sixth-straight win on Sunday. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

Himmelberg was also relieved to be a part of the team that finally broke the Giants’ losing streak in Canberra.

He relocated to the town from Wagga Wagga after finishing school to further his career. A stint at Eastlake while working as a cabinet maker meant Manuka Oval quickly became somewhat of a second home.

Nine losses in a row might have strained that relationship but he hopes it’s the first win of many.

“I always have family come up to these games so it was good to treat them to a win this time,” Himmelberg said.

“We didn’t speak about it too much during the week internally but it’s hard to miss in the media that we’d lost so many in a row here.

“The boys have always loved coming here and we always get a really good crowd … we probably owed it to them to get the job done.”

There is plenty for Himmelberg to like about the direction the Giants are headed. Picture: Phil Hillyard.

It‘s undeniable the momentum that is building around the Giants. The win against the Suns propelled them into seventh and puts them in control of their own finals destiny.

Himmelberg knows that with the depth of players in the squad, this is just the beginning.

“We’ve got young guys as well who are starting to come out of their own and play consistent footy,” he said.

“That is what you need if you want to make that tilt towards a premiership. We’ve got 22 guys each week who are happy to play their role in the system.

“It’s been really exciting this year and the sky is the limit for us.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: GWS Giants star Harry Himmelberg in talks to stay at club on new contract as rivals circle