EMERGING GWS midfielder Dylan Shiel insists ongoing contract talks won’t be a distraction for him this season as he weighs up his future.
 
The 22-year-old Victorian is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to re-sign with the Giants, who are keen to shore up their stock of young stars.
 
Shiel had a career-best season last year, averaging 23 possessions and five tackles per game.
 
His speed, power and ability to the break the lines is a tantalising prospect for any team, in particular several Victorian-based clubs who will be hoping to lure the midfielder back home.
 
After the Giants’ season-opening win against St Kilda, Shiel said he was "pretty happy" at GWS but admitted it was difficult living away from his family.
 
"At the moment I'm just looking forward to playing out the year. I'll leave the negotiations to my manager and the Giants, but all good signs so far," Shiel told AFL.com.au.
 
"I won't lie, it's always hard obviously with family down in Melbourne and friends but like any player you go through challenges.
 
"I feel like the club is really good at understanding the wellbeing of the players. Everyone has a really good lifestyle here at the club.”
 
Shiel, who was one of the Giants' best players in the nine-point win over St Kilda on Sunday with 28 disposals and six clearances, said he was bullish about the club's future.
 
"We're a real tight bunch at Greater Western Sydney. The more we play together, the stronger the bond we build, so we are starting to develop really strong relationships,” he said.
 
Retaining young talent will continue to be a challenge for the Giants.
 
The club has lost key position players Kristian Jaksch and Tom Boyd, and midfielder Dom Tyson, to their home states in recent years.
 
 
Also out-of-contract at the end of 2015 are Adam Treloar, who is originally from Melbourne, and West Australian Stephen Coniglio.