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.
“It’s still something that we’re working through with the management and the club and with what’s happened there’s sort of more stuff to think about which we’ll continue to do over the next few weeks.
“With the team playing finals that’s the priority and as I said to them when I got back to Perth I’m so committed to what the boys have in front of them for the rest of the year. I’m focused on that and helping the midfield group where I can and helping them produce a strong performance next Saturday.”
The Brayshaw incident will not have a major factor into Gaff's decision to stay or leave.
“I think it’s got to be an independent thing but obviously it’s the elephant in the room and something that’s going to come up,” Gaff said.
“It’s hard to avoid so we’ll continue to work through that but I think it’s going to be more than just a reaction to what’s happened.”
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.
“When you don’t move for four or five weeks you’ve got to learn to do these things again and get fitter and stronger again and happy to see he’s doing better and he’ll be home again in a couple of weeks.
“He’s in a good space now and it’s a good thing for the family.”
What should Gaff do? Stay or leave?