GWS free agent Nick Haynes isn't ruling out a potential move away from the Giants at season's end, while contract talks between the key defender and the club are yet to get underway.
Haynes is one of several GWS players eligible for free agency in 2024, with the inaugural Giant's lucrative five-year deal signed in 2019 coming to an end.
The veteran backman has worked his way back into Adam Kingsley's side after playing just two of the club's opening nine matches, with Haynes holding down a role at senior level over the past three weeks.
His return to form - culminated in successive 20-disposal performances in the past fortnight - comes after a year that saw Haynes spend seven of his last 11 appearances as either the starting sub or being subbed off.
Still looking to cement a role under Kingsley, Haynes is hoping his football can do most of the talking when contract talks with the club eventually commence.
Speaking to AFL.com.au, the 208-gamer revealed negotiations are yet to get underway
"No talks yet, we're midway through the season," Haynes told the publication.
"My goal is to play good footy, stay in the team and help the team win and we'll worry about it at the end of the year."
With the Giants home to a strong contingent of key defenders, including senior stalwarts Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley as well as the emerging Leek Aleer, Haynes could be surplus to requirements at GWS beyond this season.
While the 32-year-old, who believes he'll be primed to play on next year, is hoping to remain in Sydney's west, Haynes has conceded he would consider joining a second club if that's what's needed to continue his career.
"I'm out of contract end of the year. Right now, my body feels really good, the best it's been for a few years, so my plan is to play on," he added.
"Where that is, I'm not sure, hopefully here but it could be anywhere else.
"I feel like my body could handle two more years of AFL football and I'm really happy I've put the work in to get it back to AFL standard and I want to make the most of my body and I feel like I've got a few more years left in me."
The Giants have a pair of priority retention signing in 2024, with medium-sized defenders Harry Perryman and fellow free agent Isaac Cumming both unsigned for next year.
Perryman has reportedly gained high levels of rival interest from clubs in South Australia and Victoria, while Cumming has been tied to the Gold Coast Suns.
Haynes would likely garner interest from clubs needing to bolster their key defensive stocks, with the veteran backman an attractive asset given his status as an unrestricted free agent and likely low salary cap impact.
He would also bring 13 years of AFLL experience to a new club, while the Giants are likely to still be keen to retain their long-serving stopped given his abilities and influence on the younger group.