West Coast star Andrew Gaff says that his playing future will remain on hold as the focus is for the Eagles to go all the way in September.
The midfielder's season was cut short after receiving an eight week suspension from the AFL tribunal after a brain fade that saw him punch his Fremantle opponent Andrew Brayshaw. Brayshaw's jaw was broken and had misplaced teeth which also ruled him out for the rest of the year.
There have been reports that the 26-year-old is looking to be closer to home in Victoria as North Melbourne has been one of many clubs circling him.
When asked on Perth radio station 94.5 if he will stay, Gaff gave supporters some hope.
"I hope so," Gaff said.
โItโs still something that weโre working through with the management and the club and with whatโs happened thereโs sort of more stuff to think about which weโll continue to do over the next few weeks.
โWith the team playing finals thatโs the priority and as I said to them when I got back to Perth Iโm so committed to what the boys have in front of them for the rest of the year. Iโm focused on that and helping the midfield group where I can and helping them produce a strong performance next Saturday.โ
The Brayshaw incident will not have a major factor into Gaff's decision to stay or leave.
โI think itโs got to be an independent thing but obviously itโs the elephant in the room and something thatโs going to come up,โ Gaff said.
โItโs hard to avoid so weโll continue to work through that but I think itโs going to be more than just a reaction to whatโs happened.โ
Gaff's father, Paul, who lives in Melbourne, suffered from a heart condition and has been spending time at hospital but is recovering well. He is due to return home in the coming weeks.
โWhen you donโt move for four or five weeks youโve got to learn to do these things again and get fitter and stronger again and happy to see heโs doing better and heโll be home again in a couple of weeks.
โHeโs in a good space now and itโs a good thing for the family.โ
What should Gaff do? Stay or leave?
