JEREMY Cameron has turned his back on a bigger payday and the chance to move closer to home, saying his decision to stay with Greater Western Sydney was made "so much easier" after many of his teammates recommitted to the club.
In a massive coup for the expansion club, Cameron confirmed on Friday he had put pen to paper on a five-year contract extension.
The deal ties the 195cm All Australian forward to GWS until at least the end of 2020.
His housemate Devon Smith has also extended his contract until 2017.
"It's good that it's happened together and on the back of Phil Davis earlier in the week as well," Cameron said.
"Then you've got the boys that are already signed as well, like Josh Kelly. It makes it so much easier knowing that there's a few guys, they can see the future and then we kind of discuss it – not just me and Devon but just everyone.
"We know it's a really good vibe and we know where we're going."
GWS has now locked away a host of key players including co-captain Davis, Jonathon Patton, Toby Greene, Adam Tomlinson, Nick Haynes, Kelly and Adam Kennedy.
The next challenge for the Giants, who also announced Spotjobs.com as a new major sponsor on Friday, will be to sign out-of-contract stars Dylan Shiel, Adam Treloar and Stephen Coniglio.
However, Cameron's signature cuts short a potential bidding war for his services.
Speculation was rife that Melbourne or Adelaide-based clubs were trying to lure the 21-year-old closer to his family and friends.
But Cameron said he enjoyed living in Sydney and was excited about the Giants' prospects in the coming seasons.
"Why would I leave if I'm happy up here? My family, I speak to them a lot, all the time. (My) friends, they love coming up here as well," Cameron said.
"I remember day one how difficult it was going away from your family.
"The journey since then has been up and down as all football clubs go through them at times.
"If we can keep the core group together – which we think we really can – the boys are really driven, they really know what they want.
"We want success, we want to see the wheel turn. That's why I signed on.
"It was quite an easy decision in the end and I can't wait for what's to come."
Cameron joined the Giants as a 17-year-old access selection in 2011 and became the club's first All Australian two years later.
He also won the best and fairest – the Kevin Sheedy Medal - after booting 62 goals in 2013, but last season the left-footer's output was limited by a perforated eardrum and ankle issues.
He still won GWS' goalkicking with 29 majors from 14 games, but coach Leon Cameron warned the young gun was ready to terrorise defenders once more.
"A couple of injuries last year probably held him back to see the true Jeremy Cameron, but (based on) his year before, we all know what he can do," he said.
"His pre-season thus far has been really, really scary so look out for the opposition backs who are going to come up against him this year."
WHY GWS FORWARD JEREMY CAMERON IS SO HIGHLY RATED:
* All-time leading Giants goalkicker with 120, more than twice as many as second-placed Devon Smith, 52
* Giants leading goalkicker in all three seasons of their existence, 2012 (29), 2013 (62), 2014 (29)
* He has kicked their two highest individual scores, 7.1 (v Collingwood, 2013), 6.0 (v Essendon, 2013)
* Club best and fairest winner: 2013
* All Australian: 2013
* Rising Star nominee: 2012
