GWS star Harry Himmelberg has reportedly turned his back on free agency to sign a massive five-year deal to stay with the Giants.
SEN says the star put pen to paper on a reported $4 million deal tying him at the club until the end of 2028.
Himmelberg was one of the biggest targets this trade period with a host of clubs keen to secure the swingman’s signature for 2024 and beyond.
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But it took a fine dining outing with Giants skipper Toby Greene to convince the 27-year-old to stay in Sydney’s west.
The Herald Sun reports Greene and Himmelberg, and several key GWS figures, enjoyed a night out at Sydney’s popular eatery Mr Wong last month.
It was there the club made its pitch to Himmelberg to try and get the star to turn his back on interest from Sydney and Richmond – where close mates Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper have shifted last off-season.
The Giants are the most in-form team in the competition with seven straight wins to jump into finals contention.
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Journalist Tom Morris described Himmelberg’s deal as a “big tick” for the Giants and coach Adam Kingsley.
“He’s locked in – it’s big for a club who has lost quite a few players in recent years,” he said on SEN.
“A big tick of approval for Adam Kingsley.”
Just this week, Greene told reporters he expected Himmelberg’s signature with imminent.
“It’s a great place to come into work, it has been since Kingers (Adam Kingsley) came in. Pre-season was bloody solid and probably set us up to perform in the back half of the year,” Greene said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.
“It’s just a good environment – we had a few of those younger boys sign on and I don’t think Harry’s too far away.
“So it’d be good to tick them all off this year and really roll some momentum.”
Locking in Himmelberg leaves the club able to focus on fellow out-of-contract Giant Jake Riccardi who is also drawing interest from rivals.
Riccardi had battled for selection since the arrival of former Demon and Docker Jesse Hogan at the end of 2020.
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Meanwhile Brisbane has confirmed rising defender Jack Payne will remain at the club until the end of 2029.
Payne has been arguably the most improved player in the AFL this season as he’s formed a formidable partnership with Brisbane teammate Harris Andrews down back.
Payne’s ability to take on the competition’s biggest forwards has allowed Andrews to play off and intercept.
The 23-year-old was already contracted until the end of next season, but opted to sign a new five-year deal.
“Having been taken in by the Brisbane Lions Academy, I am grateful for everything they have taught me, so it feels right to show my gratitude by signing with the club for another five years,” Payne said.
“I love these boys, the club and everything we stand for, and I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else.
“Personally, I want to keep improving, and I will work with my coaches and teammates to become the best player I can.
“I feel we have the squad and structures in place to ensure we challenge for the next few years and hopefully we can win a flag during my time.”
