ANDREW Gaff has failed to hose down speculation he is set to leave West Coast after avoiding addressing his future at Friday night's John Worsfold Medal presentation.
Meanwhile, club champion Elliot Yeo declared there were "no hard feelings" towards Gaff and fellow restricted free agent Scott Lycett, who is expected to join Port Adelaide on a five-year deal after undergoing a second medical.
Gaff has been weighing up a monster offer from North Melbourne of more than $8m over seven years.
He returned to Melbourne briefly this week, although Roos officials remain in the dark about the star onballer's intentions.
But now the free agency period is open and the Eagles' club champion awards night is out of the way, Gaff's decision is imminent.
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He is either genuinely undecided at this 11th hour, or he is going to nominate North as his destination after failing to recommit to the club when he accepted the fifth place trophy at the Eagles' best and fairest.
"The last week or so has been unbelievable to celebrate with all you guys. It's a special moment," said Gaff, who was shattered to miss the Grand Final due to suspension.
"I'd like to thank Simmo (coach Adam Simpson). He's there for me when things are going well and also when times are tough. I really appreciate your support throughout this difficult time for me.
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"'Mitch' (Sam Mitchell), you've taught me so much in a year of footy and I'm sad to see you go, but what you've taught me is something that I can bring for the rest of my career and for the rest of my life.
"To the boys in the team, like everyone said, it's a highlight of our lives coming into work every day and you put a smile on all our faces.
"I'd also like to thank guys like (player services co-ordinator) Ian Miller, (integrity officer) Peter Staples and (chaplain) Paul Morrison who have been great for me.
"It's special to have those guys at a footy club and that's why the footy club's so successful."
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Yeo said he didn't know what Gaff would do, but understood if the hard-running midfielder accepted a life-changing offer from the Roos.
Returning home to Victoria would also mean the left-footer is closer to his family, in particular father Paul who battled a serious heart condition recently.
"Gaffy hasn't said anything to me," Yeo said.
"Now that everything is going to settle down, and I think he'll take a couple of days off and I reckon we'll hear … soon on whether Gaffy will stay or go.
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"To be quite honest, I'm not sure at this stage.
"You just let it be. The boys don't really talk about contracts and whether or not they're staying or going.
"You'd love to have them (Gaff and Lycett) at your football club, but it's one of those things where sometimes players get offered some really good offers and sometimes they're too good to not take up.
"There's no hard feelings. Sometimes you've got to make the most of your opportunities if they present themselves, so be it."
