THIS week last year North Melbourne learned its $10 million, nine-year bid for Josh Kelly had fallen short.

North's hopes of securing Kelly had risen the longer he delayed making a call on his future but were eventually dashed on the Monday before Greater Western Sydney's preliminary final clash with eventual premier Richmond. That's when the Giants announced they had re-signed their emerging superstar for two more years.

Less than three weeks earlier, on the eve of the 2017 finals, the Roos had received more bad news when their other big target that year, Tigers superstar Dustin Martin, turned down a seven-year, $10.5 million free agency offer to recommit to Richmond. 

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This year, North has received far better news to date.

The first of the Kangaroos' two main targets, Port Adelaide runner Jared Polec, nominated them as his preferred new home last Thursday.

It's also understood out-of-contract Gold Coast midfielder Aaron Hall has committed to move to Arden St in next month's NAB AFL Trade Period.

But the intentions of the player North has gone hardest at this year, West Coast free agent Andrew Gaff, remain unclear.

There is a growing sense in football circles, particularly in Western Australia, that in Gaff's case no news will prove to be good news for the Roos.

As of Tuesday, insiders at both North and West Coast remained in the dark about Gaff's plans.

It's believed the Eagles are bracing themselves for the worst, reasoning that Gaff would have recommitted by now if he was staying.

History largely supports this view.

Since free agency was introduced in 2012, just four big-name players still in their 20s have re-signed after the end of the home and away season – Travis Cloke (2012), Will Minson (2012), Matthew Kreuzer (2015) and Martin.

Of the quartet, Cloke re-signed the latest, leaving it until two days before the Grand Final and six days after the Magpies' finals campaign had ended in a preliminary final defeat to Sydney.

A free agent's failure to recommit before the finals has far more commonly ended with a change of clubs.

Notable players who have followed this path include Brendon Goddard, Jared Rivers, Lance Franklin, Eddie Betts, Dale Thomas, Shaun Higgins, Jarrad Waite, James Frawley, Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Selwood, Matt Suckling, Daniel Wells, Tom Rockliff and Steven Motlop.

However, Gaff is in such a unique situation that North won't be taking anything for granted until he signs on the dotted line.

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No one really knows how the dual All Australian's eight-match suspension for striking Docker Andrew Brayshaw will affect his thinking.

He could feel indebted to the Eagles for their support during the traumatic aftermath of the incident, but might equally be keen to escape the Perth fishbowl and possible recriminations from unforgiving Fremantle fans.

His father's recent illness will also be a factor in his decision, but will it be enough to make the pull of home irresistible?

Giants star Josh Kelly turned down a massive offer from the Roos to stay in Sydney. Picture: AFL Photos

There's still so much to play out with West Coast's season too.

If the Eagles' season ends in this Saturday night's preliminary final or in the Grand Final – and particularly if their midfield lets them down – will Gaff feel indebted to return after leaving them undermanned?

If they win the flag, will this allow Gaff to leave with a clear conscience or will the sting of missing out push him to stay?

You can mount a compelling argument either way.

It would also be totally understandable if he does not want to announce his decision – whichever way it falls – until the Eagles' season is over, lest it prove a distraction.

Although it's highly likely Gaff has made his decision or is, at least, leaning heavily one way, it seems only he, his manager Paul Connors and immediate family are in on the secret.

Having to wait for an answer so late in the year will probably mean North won't have enough time to implement a 'Plan B' if Gaff opts to remain in Perth.

That was the position the Roos found themselves in last year after missing out on Martin and Kelly. They made a late bid to enter the race for Devon Smith, but the wantaway Giant already had a host of ardent Victorian suitors and soon nominated Essendon as his desired destination.

So all North can do now is wait and hope that its 'Plan A' goes off without a hitch this year.