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GWS confident of Zac Williams deal

3 minute read

GWS coach Leon Cameron is confident Zac Williams, who along with Jeremy Cameron could be a free agent after the 2020 AFL season, will sign a new deal soon.

Giants coach LEON CAMERON.
Giants coach LEON CAMERON. Picture: Jason McCawley/Getty Images

Coach Leon Cameron is confident Zac Williams will remain at GWS, pointing to the AFL club's recent track record in contract talks.

Last year, the future of Stephen Coniglio was the subject of intense speculation but the gun midfielder ultimately signed a seven-year deal with the Giants and was appointed captain for 2020.

Josh Kelly, Toby Greene and Lachie Whitfield also agreed to contract extensions in 2019, suggesting they never seriously contemplated a shift.

Securing the signature of rebounding defender Williams and spearhead Jeremy Cameron, both off contract and potentially free agents at the end of the 2020 season, now looms as one of football manager Jason McCartney's biggest priorities.

Cameron expressed calm confidence that Coniglio would stay throughout last year's contract talks, even when they dragged on amid reports the on-baller could pocket $1.5 million per season if he walked.

Monday's message, in response to reports of a setback in negotiations with Williams, was the same.

"Whether it takes one, two or three months - there will always be speculation on it until they sign," Cameron told SEN.

"But the same with Stephen Coniglio and Lachie Whitfield and others, we are confident he'll stay at our club ... he is happy at our club.

"The last few years it's been happening a bit.

"Players take their time, every player has got the right ... they are going to look at their options.

"Our intent is to keep Zac for as long as we possibly can and we have got a good track record in the past few years."

Williams, selected by the Giants with pick 55 in the 2012 rookie draft, has developed into one of the expansion club's most valuable players.

The 25-year-old is renowned for his damaging runs out of defence, but proved in last year's finals series that he could also excel in the midfield.

The Giants, who copped an 89-point hammering from Richmond in last year's grand final, have their first pre-season clash on February 29 against Sydney.

"We addressed the game very briefly afterwards. Straight after the game, it's raw as anything," Cameron said.

"We've come back after a break of eight or nine weeks, we haven't looked at it in totality and watched the whole game. What we've just done is a couple of little snippets.

"I'm really confident, seeing the boys train and their attitude, that they've moved on.

"Is it still there? Absolutely, history is a part of your footy club ... but we don't dwell on it, we move on."

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