North Melbourne remain keen on securing Giants star Josh Kelly, reports Seven News.
There are believed to be up to four clubs circling the classy midfielder, who will weigh up entering free agency at season's end or activating an eight-year trigger clause in his contract with the Giants until 2029 worth close to $1 million per season.
The Roos previously launched a bid for Kelly in 2019 before he recommitted to GWS on his current unique deal.
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AFL journalist Tom Browne revealed on Seven News on Wednesday night that the 26-year old was hot property.
โHeaded by the Kangaroos, up to four clubs are circling another Giant, Josh Kelly,โ Browne said.
โThe reason, the Giants are playing the star at high half-forward. Clubs are asking why the 26-year-old isnโt getting time in the midfield.
โThey have to pay a lot of money, the ball is mainly in Kellyโs court. He must decide if he exercises an eight-year option worth a million a year.โ
North Melbourne has again reached for the chequebook - this time launching a fresh bid for Giants star Josh Kelly. Meanwhile, 7NEWS can reveal the eye-watering figures behind Christian Petracca's mega seven-year deal. https://t.co/5zYfOfohG3 @TomBrowne7 #7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/JsHLsO4cJh
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) May 5, 2021
It follows a report from The Age in March that stated Melbourne clubs have renewed their interest in Kelly - with Essendon,ย North Melbourneย andย Hawthorn considered the only clubs that could accomodate for his massive salary without making significant moves.
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Having been played predominately across half forward in the early rounds, Kelly moved back to his customary wing and midfield role last week against Adelaide, racking up a season-high 27 disposals and 10 marks and booting a goal.
He averaged 27.9 disposals per game from 2017 to 2019 and has gone at 22.5 since, albeit with reduced quarters in 2020 and a role change in 2021 bringing down that mark.
Kelly has now played 139 AFL games since making his senior debut in 2014.
The development comes after his teammate Toby Greene on Wednesday penned an extension with the club until 2026, making him a Giant for life.
