Finn Callaghan says re-signing with the Giants has allowed him to lift his game both on and off the field.
"I want to make the next four years as good as it can be for myself and for the club," Callaghan said.
"I want to win. If I can help develop our younger players throughout the club, but also on the weekend, it's going to give us the best opportunity. I feel like I was sort of doing that already, but signing the contract probably helps with that as well.
"It's something that I really tried to add to my game, on-field leadership and around the club. Really trying to do my homework on the opposition and help lead in that way, teaching the boys.
Finn Callaghan will be sidelined due to a shoulder injury after dislocating it during a match against Fremantle, with the Giants hoping it is short-term only.
Finn Callaghan signs a four-year contract extension with Greater Western Sydney, turning down interest from rival clubs and committing to the Giants until at least 2029.
"A player of Finn's talent and age meant there was always going to be huge immense interest from other clubs and it's fantastic that he's re-committed to the club as we see him as a huge piece of our future," GWS football boss Jason McCartney said.
"Finn can see the bright future of the club under Adam Kingsley and wants to be part of the success that we strongly believe is on the horizon."
The Giants begin contract discussions with midfielder Finn Callaghan, who is their main priority for a new deal in 2025.
"The reality is, he'll make a decision based on what's best for him and for his family. That will either be with us or it won't be," GWS coach Adam Kingsley said.
"What we'll do is afford him as many opportunities as the salary cap allows, we'll pay him as well as we can for as long as we can in a way that fits within our strategy and with everyone else."
The Giants are confident they will retain midfielder Finn Callaghan despite the previous departures of key players, navigating a salary cap balancing act to keep their star talent.
"The problem is, if you overpay on certain players, it means a compromise on keeping the next and keeping the next and keeping the next," Giants coach Adam Kingsley said.
"Ultimately, back to Finn, he'll make a decision based on what's best for him and his family. We'll try and provide an environment that's fun to be around and a team that wins, so he's constantly playing in finals. Other than that, what else do you want as a player?"
Finn Callaghan is the 2023 round 7 AFL Rising Star nominee after tallying 26 disposals at 88.5 per cent efficiency and taking a game-high 10 marks at the SCG against the Swans.
Finn Callaghan makes his AFL debut for GWS at the MCG with 13 disposals (6 kicks and 7 handballs), 2 marks, a tackle and a goal in a 67-point loss to Melbourne.
Thursday, 14 April 2022
Finn Callaghan will make his debut for GWS against Melbourne at the MCG this week.
"It's all worked out so well, playing the ‘G, lucky enough to have all my friends and family there, playing in Melbourne, it'll be so good," he said.
"Mum and Dad were both really excited, Mum showed a bit more emotion and was very proud, Dad was a bit more measured in his response as most dads are and he's just very happy.
"He's fully on the Giants bandwagon now, he's converted over from the Dees which is great. It's exciting for them as well as they've helped me out a lot along the way."
GWS select Finn Callaghan with pick No.3 in the 2021 National Draft.
Draft Report: A smooth-moving 191cm midfielder with speed and a raking left boot, Callaghan also proved he can be a weapon on the inside after spending more time in the coalface this season. A damaging offensive player who comes from an athletics background, with his father, Brett, a former Commonwealth Games 400m sprinter. Callaghan makes great decisions in traffic and makes the game appear as if it slows down around him. GWS could pounce at pick 2, while he's unlikely to get past the Suns or the Crows.