GWS has announced the re-signings of veteran Callan Ward (2025) and youngster Joe Fonti (2027) to new deals.
Ward's decision to remain at the Giants comes as rival clubs were considering making a play for the 34-year-old, with North Melbourne flagging their interest.
The former Dog was an inaugural Giant and contemplated returning to Victoria and retirement but instead opted to go around for one more year, according to AFL Media.
Ward's leadership and expertise have been pivotal to GWS since he joined the New South Wales club.
GWS EGM Jason McCartney shared his praise for the resilient veteran emphasising his extension as a testament to his unwavering commitment and performance.
โCal is a heart and soul player of our club and we're thrilled to see him extend his incredible legacy into next year,โ McCartney said.
โHis contribution to the club has been profound and he really embodies everything we stand for. His passion, his toughness and his commitment to the club and his teammates is at the highest level and we can't wait to see him continue his journey for another season.
โCal's longevity in the game is to be admired and his re-signing is a testament to the high level of footy that he's still producing and we're confident he still has a big role to play at the GIANTS.โ
Fonti's two-year extension is a show of faith from the Giants, who already had him locked away next year.
Taken with Pick 44 in the 2023 National Draft, the 19-year-old has shown he has what it takes at the elite level, featuring in five games as the club locked down a top-four position.
His breakaway speed and dare across the backline suits Adam Kingsley and his coaching style.
On Fonti's signing, McCartney said it was a positive sign that another youngster has committed to the future of the club.
โWe're thrilled to have extended Joe's contract for another two years,โ McCartney said.
โJoe's potential has been evident since joining the club, and we are really excited about what he can develop into at the GIANTS.
โHe's already shown a huge amount of growth across his first season, and we're really confident that in our environment, he can become a really valuable player for us at AFL level well into the future.โ
Both Ward and Fonti followed in the footsteps of teammates who have recently re-signed, with Brent Daniels, Lachie Ash, Jesse Hogan, Sam Taylor and Harvey Thomas penning new deals.
Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman's futures remain in the air, with a decision likely to occur after the 2024 finals.
Ward will line up against Sydney at the SCG for Saturday's qualifying final.
