Gaff may again be a free agent

WEST Coast star Andrew Gaff will again be a free agent next year because of a little-known exit clause in his contract at the end of next season.

Gaff, 27, was largely considered to be an Eagle for life after signing a six-year deal worth about $1 million a season at the end of last year.

But Gaff has a significant release clause allowing him to leave at the end of next year, similar to Greater Western Sydney midfield jet Josh Kelly.

These types of deals are favourable for the competition’s superstars because they give them long-term guaranteed money as well as the full flexibility to depart, if required, after only two seasons.

It means West Coast may again face a nervous wait if Gaff decides to consider his eligibility as an unrestricted free agent at the end of next season.

North Melbourne made a whopping offer to poach the Oakleigh product last year and has since secured former Eagles’ list manager Brady Rawlings to become North’s new footy boss.

The Eagles are confident Gaff will again line up in blue and yellow next season, as the club looks to poach Tim Kelly, 25, from Geelong next month and shoot for another flag.

Kelly’s arrival would give the Eagles arguably the best midfield in the league, including Norm Smith medallist Luke Shuey, best-and-fairest winner Elliot Yeo, Gaff and star ruckman Nic Naitanui.

Geelong is yet to make any moves on Gaff as part of a straight swap for Kelly in this year’s trade period, believing he is committed to West Coast for at least one more year.

Geelong wants two firstround selections for Kelly.