Simpson, Keeffe to fix Giant problem
THE no longer cash- strapped Giants have re- signed key talls Dawson Simpson and Lachie Keeffe in an attempt to shore up their big- man stocks.
GWS have offered new first- choice ruckman Simpson and defender Keeffe one- year contract extensions after a major fire sale this AFL trade period to clear millions in future salary cap space.
The tall duo’s re- signing comes as the Giants seek to address versatile big man Rory Lobb’s loss and ponder the recruitment of retired clubman Shane Mumford despite an ongoing AFL drug probe.
Simpson is now poised to retain the permanent No. 1 ruck mantle upon his return in 2019 after a season- ending ankle injury.
Keefe, part of the Giants’ 10- point semi- final loss to Collingwood, will get a chance to build on his eight- game GWS career after being picked for his first AFL match in four years this season.
Veteran midfielder Ryan Griffen ( retired), defender Tim Mohr ( delisted) and untried youngster Lachie Tiziani ( delisted) will exit the club along with traded foursome Lobb ( Fremantle), Dylan Shiel ( Essendon), Tom Scully ( Hawthorn) and Will Setterfield ( Carlton).
Former Carlton midfielder Dylan Buckley and fellow rookie- listed players Jack Buckley and Jake Stein have been retained after Thursday’s announcement the Giants would take a punt on Irish teen Callum Brown for their Category B slot. The Giants will likely throw at least another four top- 25 prospects into the mix as the holders of picks nine, 11, 19, 25 ahead of next month’s AFL draft.