High-flying defender Nick Haynes has inked a five-year contract extension with the GIANTS to keep him in orange and charcoal until the end of 2024.
Haynes, an inaugural GIANT, was due to come out of contract at the end of the season but the 26-year-old moved quickly to cement his place in Western Sydney for a further five years.
The news of Haynes’ signing comes on the same day small forward Brent Daniels also extended his time with the club, re-signing until the end of 2021.
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GIANTS List Manager Jason McCartney said securing Haynes and Daniels’ signatures is fantastic news as the season edges closer.
“Firstly, to sign Nick Haynes on a five-year deal is a big coup for one of the most reliable defenders in the competition,” McCartney said.
“Nick goes about his business quietly and sometimes doesn’t get the plaudits externally, but we see him as one of the most impressive defenders in the game and a key part of our defensive set-up.
“He’s a fantastic person and a great contributor to our football club and we couldn’t be happier to have him commit long term to the GIANTS.
“To also secure the signature of Brent is a great result, he’s an impressive young man on and off the field and we’ve been delighted by what he has brought to our group since he first walked through the door 12 months ago.
“We’re excited to get these deals done before the season starts and are looking forward to another big year at the GIANTS.”
Haynes was drafted to the GIANTS with pick seven in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, with the former Dandenong Stingrays forward making his debut in round 10, 2012 playing through the midfield and up forward.
A switch to the backline proved a turning point for Haynes who has gone on to cement himself as a key member of the GIANTS' defence, playing a crucial role in the club’s three successive finals campaigns.
Haynes is coming off a career-best season, playing all 24 games and finishing fifth in the club’s Kevin Sheedy Medal.
“I’m really excited to sign a long-term contract extension with the club,” Haynes said.
“I love this club and I love Sydney, having now spent nearly eight years here, so I truly consider it home.
“I re-signed because I absolutely believe in where this team can go, and I want to be part of building this club for long-term success.”
20-year-old Daniels played seven games in a row in his debut season in 2018 after being selected at pick 27 by the GIANTS in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft.
Growing up in Swan Hill in country Victoria, Daniels moved to Geelong to board for high school and will be looking to build on his first season in the competition in 2019.
“It’s great to be able to add another two years to my contract before my second season even starts,” Daniels said.
“It was such a learning experience to move to Sydney and start my career as an AFL footballer and I’m ready to put my best foot forward over the coming years for the GIANTS.”
