By Peter Ryan
In today’s AFL briefing, your daily wrap of footy news:
- Long-term deals for Giant Himmelberg and Lion Payne
- Clayton Oliver to wait another week for return
In-form Giants defender Harry Himmelberg has declined the interest of Sydney and Richmond and will remain at Greater Western Sydney for the next six seasons.
The decision was confirmed by the Giants on Thursday morning, who declared the 27-year-old who had spurned free agency offers to remain at GWS as “a Giant for life”.
Toby Bedford and Harry Himmelberg celebrate the Giants’ win over Fremantle.Credit: AFL Photos
Himmelberg has been instrumental in helping the Giants rebound up the ladder in 2023. The club has won its past seven games, with Himmelberg moving into defence alongside All-Australian defender Sam Taylor.
Himmelberg’s ability to play either end of the ground, and also in the ruck, made him a key signature for the Giants, particularly because his age means he bridges the gap on the club’s list between the established stars and a bevy of players with raw talent aged under 22.
Football manager Jason McCartney said the club was confident he would remain and were happy to be patient as he made his decision.
“Harry’s been an important part of our club since his days in the academy and has blossomed into a key member of our side.
“His 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.
“He’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.
“Harry sees where our club is heading under a new coach in Adam Kingsley and a new coaching group and believes success is near.”
The Brisbane Lions also locked in defender Jack Payne for the next five seasons after his breakout year alongside Harris Andrews in 2023.
Payne was not due to come out of contract until the end of next season, but got in early to pen a bumper new deal that will keep him with the Lions until at least the end of 2029.
The club is yet to formally confirm the extension, but a video of the 23-year-old discussing his new contract was briefly posted online on Wednesday night.
In the absence of Marcus Adams, who is sidelined indefinitely with concussion issues, Payne has stepped up to play a vital role in the Lions’ defence alongside dual All-Australian Harris Andrews.
The hulking Payne, a former discuss thrower, had played just 27 games before this season but has only missed one match this year when he was out with concussion against Adelaide in round 11.
Clayton’s return: Oliver made to wait one more week
Clayton Oliver won’t make his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury this weekend, but Melbourne thinks their star man is closing in his long-awaited return ahead of finals.
The Demons are confident the gun midfielder will face Carlton in round 22, six days after they face North Melbourne in Hobart on Sunday.
They’d previously been reluctant to put a timeline on Oliver’s return to action for the first time since round 10, but coach Simon Goodwin is backing him in to complete his recovery and face the Blues.
Melbourne midfield ace Clayton Oliver has been on the sidelines since round 10.Credit: Getty
“Clayton’s progressing really well, we’re really hopeful he’ll be back next week,” he said.
“He won’t play this week, he’s more than likely to be ready to go next week.
“He will train fully [on Thursday] and we think with everything being right he’ll be ready to go next week, which is exciting for our footy club.”
It would be a huge boost to a Melbourne side that’s won four straight games and kicked 50 goals in the past three weeks, keeping alive it’s hopes of jumping Port Adelaide and Brisbane for a top-two finish.
They’ll again play without Brodie Grundy, backing max Gawn to ruck solo and a forward line that’s gelled beautifully in their recent wins.
Makeshift forward Harrison Petty slotted six goals against Richmond last week, and Goodwin praised his combination with 20-year-old Jacob van Rooyen, suggesting the Demons would head further down that path before recalling Grundy.
“We liked how [the forward line] looked, and we’ve still got some training to get through this week, but at this stage [Grundy] won’t be playing but anything’s still possible,” he said.
“We’re one week into a different-looking forward line, but we are liking how Brodie’s progressing.
“The way Harrison played last week was outstanding and the combination of Jacob and Harrison together looked quite dynamic for us ahead of the ball.”
Goodwin didn’t think Gawn would require a rest in the lead-up to finals, suggesting his captain looked “bubbly” and “fresh”.
Midfielder Tom Sparrow is also likely to return to the team this weekend, after missing time with a calf complaint.
AAP
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