A heartbreaking straight-sets exit has thrown the GWS Giants into their off-season ventures far earlier than hoped for, and while the club's list is in a strong position, some decisions are still to be made which may shape the 2025 season.
The story garnering the most attention in recent weeks is the status of 24-year-old breakout midfielder James Peatling.
The 2021 mid-year recruit fell officially out of contract after Saturday's loss, and while he has expressed a desire to remain in orange, handsome offers are sure to come the way of the academy product.
A number of rivals have privately declared their interest, with the loudest rumours involving Victorian club St Kilda, who could potentially offer the largest midfield role of any candidate.
Senior coach Adam Kingsley lamented the lack of front half support for Coleman medallist Jesse Hogan in Saturday's semi-final defeat, but holds confidence in the future growth of his young crop of forwards; Darcy Jones, Harvey Thomas, Aaron Cadman and others.
Backup key forwards Jake Riccardi and Callum Brown may draw rival offers to leave the Giants, playing perhaps the most in-demand position in the sport and somewhat suffering a lack of opportunity behind Hogan.
Eight-year Giants Isaac Cumming and Harry Perryman are out of contract and potentially on watch from rival suitors, being 26 and 25 years old respectively, in the peak of their physical prime without major roles in the GWS lineup.
Upsetting list calls may have to be made on veterans Lachie Keefe, Nick Haynes and inaugural Giant Adam Kennedy, all of which are 32 years or older and fringe candidates at the selection table.
Keefe did play a role up forward in the absence of Riccardi and Brown, but is clearly not in their future plans.
Haynes' contract ending takes brings in considerable financial relief, raking in more than $1 million just this season on his back-ended deal signed in 2019.
Braydon Preuss, Conor Stone, Cooper Hamilton and Josh Fahey are the remaining out-of-contract Giants, back-up ruckman Preuss the only one over the age of 22 in that crop.
34-year-old champion Cal Ward has one year remaining on his deal, and if his form this season is maintained, may earn an extension into 2026.
The Giants will be quick to extend Finn Callaghan, Leek Aleer and Toby Bedford, all coming out of contract next season and clearly in the club's future plans.
