Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have been the subject of much speculation about their playing future amidst strong interest from three big Melbourne clubs.
The Giants are rumoured to be facing an "exodus" of players come trade period, with Taranto and Hopper among the names speculated to be heading towards the exit.
Just days after Adam Kingsley was announced as the Giants' new senior coach, GWS Giants' GM of Football Jason McCartney has stated that the club would be keen to see the duo remain in charcoal heading forward.
"Tim's easy, Tim's out of contract" McCartney said on SEN Breakfast.ย
โSo heโs got a call to make. We would love to retain Tim. Tim has been a wonderful player for our club over the last six years.
โHe was a best and fairest winner in a Grand Final year (2019), so weโd love to be able to retain Tim. Obviously the opportunity for him to speak with the new coach in Adam Kingsley over the next few days will be important."
Taranto, who has been linked to both Collingwood and Richmond, has averaged 25.4 disposals per game in 2022.
McCartney was coy on the future of Hopper, who has endured an injury interrupted 2022 campaign, noting that there are conversations still to be had surrounding his future.
"Jacob is contracted and that will be something weโll need to sit down with Jacob and work through with his management," McCartney said.
โThose conversations have been with management all year, but with the players we just finished some medical reviews and some reviews of their season.
โThose in-depth contract conversations havenโt been had directly with the players as yet.โ
Both players were high picks in their respective draft classes, with Hopper being drafted at Pick No.7 in the 2015 AFL Draft and Taranto at Pick No.2 in the 2016 AFL Draft.
GWS remain in the race to re-sign Taranto and Hopper's contract makes it difficult for him to leave without an enticing trade offer from another club, though Geelong are reportedly showing interest in the 25-year-old.
The recent unveiling of new senior Kingsley should expedite the list management processes that were previously on hold until after his appointment, with McCartney conceding that the Giants were used to speculation around their players.
โThereโs speculation around our players pretty much every year so we do get used to it,โ he said.
โI always know that October is going to be busy with the role we fulfil at the club. Thatโs nothing new, we do deal with that."
