Decision looms:GWS star Josh Kelly.Credit:Getty Images
That unusual offer was signed back in 2019 – when Kelly committed for two seasons,with a binding option (in Kelly’s favour) for a further eight years,for a total commitment of 10 years – and has now been extended until the end of this season to give Kelly,who typically takes his time before making decisions on his future,more time to make his call.
Both GWS and Kelly agreed that it was in both parties’ interests to extend the deadline from last Saturday by some weeks.
This leaves open the question of whether Kelly will take up the massive GWS deal which,like several other very long-term agreements,was struck prior to the COVID pandemic and the club has not taken off the table. If he signed it on the terms struck,it would be the longest deal for any player in the game.
North Melbourne are heavily favoured to win Kelly’s signature if he leaves GWS,according to multiple sources familiar with Kelly’s situation,although a number of other clubs in Victoria have expressed interest in him.
The Kangaroos have strong connections to Kelly through his father Phil,a former North player,and the club offered Kelly a stunning nine-year deal worth close to $10 million back in 2017 when the midfielder chose to remain with the club that drafted him with pick 2 in the 2013 national draft.
Like all AFL players,Kelly has been subjected to pay cuts caused by COVID’s impact,and it is unclear what players will accept in terms of any future cuts,if any,in 2022.