CONVERSATIONS on a new contract between Greater Western Sydney and its premier midfielder Josh Kelly are progressing much more quickly than two years ago, Giants coach Leon Cameron says.
Kelly is entering the final season of his deal.
GWS faced a similar situation in 2017, with the smooth-moving left-footer waiting until preliminary final week before recommitting for a further two years.
Cameron, who checks in with Kelly regarding his future over a coffee every few weeks, is receiving positive vibes, he told Melbourne radio station SEN on Tuesday morning.
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"We feel as though it's really progressing well. Probably a far bit quicker than what it was a couple of years ago, because we've had some really good dialogue," Cameron said.
"His manager's been fantastic, in Paul Connors, and so we feel as though we're in a really good space. I think it's going to start heating up.
"Ideally every club wants your players like Josh Kelly signed up before the season starts, and we're mindful the player also wants to take his time as well.
"It's like anything, you're finding the right balance between club and player and manager, but I would have to say we're in a really good position in terms of just having that really good dialogue.
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"Two years ago, it took until probably two-thirds of the way through the year, but hopefully from my point of view, from a selfish point of view, we can get it done before the season starts, but I'm also mindful there's another party and that's Josh as well.
"The one good thing I will say is that the conversations are easy, if you know what I mean. They're very easy to have."
Cameron is facing a different problem with his club's other marquee attraction – brilliant forward Toby Greene is recovering from ankle surgery in November.
Greene, 25, isn't a certainty for the season-opener against Essendon on Sunday, March 24.
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The Giants haven't forgotten what happened 12 months ago, when the star was rushed back after his preparation was hampered by a broken toe.
"We're mindful of last year, when we got him up for round one. He obviously played well but then he missed the next few weeks and had an interrupted year," Cameron said.
"It's a fine line because we all want him to be in the firing line for round one, so we've got to be mindful that he gets a pre-season in."
Cameron wants to ensure his side isn't seduced by the temptation of having Greene ready for the Bombers.
"We think that he'll be ready for round one, we're really confident of that happening, but we don't want to fall for that trap which we had last year," Cameron said.
