EXCLUSIVE: Former Western Bulldogs utility Dylan Addison has agreed to a new one-year deal with Greater Western Sydney, in a move that will ensure his career goes into a ninth season. 

The delisted free agent was spotted shaking hands with Giants list manager Stephen Silvagni at AFL House on Thursday. 

Addison was desperate to revive his career after the Bulldogs delisted him in October, and was prepared to move interstate to do so. 

The 26-year-old is originally from New South Wales, making the Giants a perfect fit. 

"It's really exciting," Addison told AFL.com.au. 

"Being a Sydney boy, it's good to move back home and be close to the family and more importantly get another opportunity to prolong my AFL career. 

"My brothers, mum and dad, aunties and uncles, all my family's based in Sydney." 

Two familiar faces will greet Addison when he lands at the Giants, with former Bulldogs teammates Callan Ward and Sam Reid at the club. 

"Reidy's the development coach, which is exciting for him, a bit of a change for him," Addison said. 

"He's a good man, and also Cal Ward as well. It will obviously make it easier knowing those two, but I'm looking forward to getting up there and being with the boys and getting out there on the track." 

Addison is unsure exactly what role he will take on in 2014, but he is looking forward to sharing his experience with the young list.

Below: Dylan Addison in action during the Dogs' clash with West Coast in round six. Picture: AFL Media
"Hopefully I can lead by example on the field with the way I go about my business and also off the field. 

"I think I'm pretty settled as a footballer, and know what's required week in week out to be an AFL footballer. Hopefully I can help the young guys. 

"There's so much talent. They've got 20-odd first round draft picks, so it's a pretty talented list and there will be blokes who are more talented than me up there, but hopefully I can help them out with my competitiveness and work ethic as well.

"I've had a few chats with (Giants coach) Leon (Cameron) over the last few weeks. It's been positive and he's looking forward to it, and I'm looking forward to it as well." 

A hamstring injury stalled Addison's start to 2013, but he returned to play 12 senior games and kick 12 goals. 

Addison played 88 games with the Western Bulldogs after making his debut in 2006. 

He was selected with pick 27 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft.    

Twitter @JacquiReedAFL