GWS youngster Conor Stone has signed a fresh contract with the Giants, turning his back on interest from Essendon this off-season.
Stone has been weighing up his future as his contract reached an end this year, with the Victorian garnering attention from clubs in his home state.
The Bombers confirmed Stone has been a player of interest this week, while the Giants revealed a deal has been on the table for the 22-year-old to sign.
The recent departures of Harry Perryman and Isaac Cumming to Collingwood and Adelaide, respectively, increased the Giants' hopes of retaining Stone, who is keen on greater opportunities at AFL level.
The departure of the defensive pair has opened a path for Stone to get a larger look at senior action under Adam Kingsley for the future, with Stone now recommitting to the New South Wales club for a further two seasons.
Stone has played just 13 games for the Giants since being taken with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 AFL Draft. He made his debut in 2021 and managed just four appearances this year.
The fringe Giant switched to a half-back role midway through the year at VFL level after a promising start to his 2024 campaign as a medium-sized forward.
Stone averaged 23.74 disposals per game as a defender in the VFL this year after kicking 16 goals in his first six games of the season.
The retention of Stone is a key one for GWS, who have lost Perryman, Cumming and Nick Haynes (Carlton) to rival clubs this off-season, while midfielder James Peatling has requested a trade to Adelaide.