GWS free agent Harry Himmelberg has turned down high levels of rival interest to re-sign with the Giants until the end of the 2029 season.
Himmelberg has been one of the most sought-after names this year as he nears the end of his contract, with clubs across the competition understood to have lined up for the 27-year-old.
Sydney, Brisbane, Richmond and Collingwood are among the clubs that have been tied to the GWS swingman.
A restricted free agent in 2023, Himmelberg was able to exercise his rights on the open market, with the Wagga Wagga junior among the leading names to headline this year's trade space.
Now, Himmelberg has decided to turn down external advances and free agency to recommit to the Giants on a six-year deal.
โWe've always been really confident Harry saw his future at the club and his signature is a great endorsement of our program on and off the field,โ GWS football boss Jason McCartney said in a club statement.ย
โHarry's been an important part of our club since his days in the Academy and has blossomed into a key member of our side.ย ย
โHis versatility as a player has never been more on show that this season when he's kicked important goals, taken incredible marks and then switched to defence where he's been ultra-consistent.ย ย ย
โHe's also continued to grow as a leader and is part of our emerging leaders' group, which is a great reflection of his value to our club.ย ย
โHarry sees where our club is heading under a new coach in Adam Kingsley and a new coaching group and believes success is near.ย ย
โIt's a great day for our club and our fans as we head into one of the biggest home games of the season against the Swans at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday night.โ
The retention is a significant re-signing for the New South Wales club, who currently find themselves right in contention for a top-eight finish under first-year coach Adam Kingsley after a 16th-placed finish in 2022.
Himmelberg's signature will add to a successive year of signings for GWS, who have managed to retain the likes of Lachie Ash, Tom Green, Finn Callaghan and Xavier O'Halloran, among others, already this year.
Enjoying a career-best campaign under Kingsley, Himmelberg has played 145 games in the orange and charcoal since joining the Giants as an Academy graduate through the 2015 National Draft.
Playing predominantly as a defender in 2023, Himmelberg is averaging 16.33 disposals, 4.89 marks and 3.33 rebound 50s a game from his 18 appearances.
The Giants remain to have Phil Davis,ย Wade Derksen,ย Cameron Fleeton,ย Matthew Flynn,ย Jason Gillbee,ย Cooper Hamilton,ย Lachlan Keeffe,ย Daniel Lloyd,ย Nick Madden,ย Braydon Preuss,ย Jake Riccardi and Callan Ward off contract this year.
