GREATER Western Sydney has secured one of its most exciting youngsters for another two years, beating off keen interest from Victorian clubs to re-sign Lachie Whitfield until the end of 2018.
Whitfield had been set to come out of contract at the end of this year, but AFL.com.au can confirm the No.1 draft pick from 2012 signed off on a new deal with the Giants on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old Victorian was on the radar of most clubs in his home state, but rival suitors have suspected for some months he would recommit to the Giants.
Whitfield has played 58 games for the Giants, including the first seven rounds this year where he has averaged nearly 21 possessions a game.
He finished seventh in the Giants' best and fairest count in his first season, 2013, but struggled with injuries the following year before averaging 21.7 disposals in 21 games last season.
Winning Whitfield's signature is a significant coup for the Giants, who will now turn their attention to out-of-contract youngsters Caleb Marchbank, James Stewart and Jack Steele.