AFL trade news: Rival clubs begin to circle Giants gun Jacob Hopper

Another GWS midfielder is understood to be gaining plenty of interstate interest 👀

EDITOR | May 22, 2021 - 1:46pm

Greater Western Sydney midfielder Jacob Hopper is understood to be gaining strong interest from circling clubs.

As reported by The Herald Sun's Jon Ralph, the 24-year-old is set to be highly coveted by a number of rival sides as he looks to secure his future past 2021.

Hopper inked a two-year deal in 2019 to remain in the Harbour City, with several Victorian clubs having shown interest in the contested bull in the past.

Ralph's report tips Hopper to remain in the orange and charcoal from 2022, but a number of potential suitors are set to make that decision difficult.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Jacob Hopper of the Giants handballs whilst being tackled by Josh Bruce and Blake Acres of the Saints during the round seven AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Etihad Stadium on May 5, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Hopper is seen as one of the Giants' key retention signings this season after losing a number of highly-rated senior figures during the 2020 exchange period.

Star forward Jeremy Cameron, flashy midfielder Zac Williams and key-defender Aidan Corr all departed West Sydney at the conclusions of their respective contracts.

The Giants will be hoping Hopper, along with star midfielder Josh Kelly, remains loyal to the club in penning a new contract extension.

Kelly is sure to be one of the headlining free agents this year as he weighs up his options for the future.

The flashy onballer has an eight-year extension in his favour worth a reported $1 million-per-season, while a number of Victorian clubs have come calling for the 26-year-old.

Speaking to AFL.com.au this week, Kelly said contract talks had been put on hold for the time being.

"At the moment I'm very focused on my football. That's been even more than usual because we lost a few leaders early in the year, so I've really felt the opportunity to take a step up in that area and I haven’t been too focused on my contract,” he said.

"I'm enjoying my football and playing with the young group that we've had. It has been a bit different to what we expected going into the year but that has made it exciting.

"At the right time, I’ll sit down and contemplate a few things, but I'm just loving football and playing with a young group.”

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Josh Kelly of the Giants celebrates a goal during the round 20 AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Melbourne Demons at UNSW Canberra Oval on August 5, 2017 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Kelly has been named as the Giants' skipper to face West Coast in Round 10 given the absences of captain Stephen Coniglio and stand-in leader Toby Greene.

Both Kelly and Hopper will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Richmond last week as a place in the top-eight is on offer should they defeat the Eagles on Sunday.

Hopper was a standout performer for the Giants in their Round 9 loss to the Tigers, polling seven coaches votes to take the lead amongst GWS players.