STAR West Coast wingman Andrew Gaff says signing a contract extension isn't his priority as he focuses on regaining peak fitness following a lingering ankle issue.
Gaff's current deal expires at the end of 2018, when he would qualify for restricted free agency, eight years after he was drafted via pick No.4 from the Oakleigh Chargers.
While Gaff has made Perth his home away from home, the 25-year-old isn't in any rush to put pen to paper on a new deal before the 2018 campaign kicks off.
"It's something that my manager Paul Connors is working through," Gaff told AFL.com.au.
"It will just pan out throughout the year, but at this stage working my way back up to full fitness is my priority at the moment, getting ready for another year of working hard and hopefully team success.
"I enjoy it over here and it's been seven years. I love the guys and the coaches, so I'm just looking forward to the year ahead and going from there."
Gaff and fellow prospective free agent Jeremy McGovern's contracts loom as hot topics in the west this year.
Reigning club champion Elliot Yeo put speculation about his future to bed last month by signing a five-year deal.
But Gaff, who would attract significant interest from Victorian clubs in the free agency market, won't be swayed by the public interest in his contract.
"I'm not too fussed. I think the other contracts I've signed throughout the years have been mid-year," the ultra-consistent Eagle said.
"I've never really done one before the start of the year. It's something you take your time doing.
"I don't think (it would be a distraction during the season). I have pride in my performance whenever I play and I want to be the best I can be whenever I play footy.
"Whatever's happening with the contract stuff I'm fully committed to the Eagles every time I go to work each day and looking forward to working with a great bunch of guys and hopefully having a successful year."
While Gaff said it was "only natural" to miss family and friends in Victoria, talk that he battled homesickness during his early years in Perth "was nothing really true at all".
The 2015 John Worsfold medallist also blasted rumours he was open to a trade at the end of last season, when ongoing chatter prompted St Kilda and other rival clubs to enquire about his availability.
"It's tough because I was away in Europe and it was literally complete fabrications," Gaff said.
"There wasn't any iota of truth at all. It's frustrating because someone throws it out once and everyone else think that it must be 100 per cent true.
"It happened a little bit before I went to Europe and then a little bit (while I was) in Europe, and I caught up with (list manager) Brady Rawlings, I think it was Grand Final morning, and we both laughed it off."
Despite carrying a sore ankle from round six onwards last year, Gaff still finished sixth in the club champion voting after leading West Coast for disposals (713, 29.7 per game) for the third-straight season.
The 156-gamer avoided post-season surgery and has had a gradual build-up this summer, but expects to be "well-and-truly" ready for the JLT Community Series.
