Greater Western Sydney forward Devon Smith hopes to sign a contract extension by the middle of the year, but has downplayed reported interest in him by Collingwood where three former teammates are on the books.
Apart from midfielder Josh Kelly, 23-year-old forward Smith is one of the few established Giants who hasn't committed beyond 2017 to the club.
The skilful goalsneak, who has also spent time in the midfield this season, has suggested he is leaning toward staying put.
"My manager and the club are in positive talks at the moment and, for me at the moment, I just want to play," said Smith who managed just 14 games last season due to a knee injury.
"Last year, I missed a large chunk of the season, so I want to play some good footy, but I'm loving being here.
"My manager and the club will work that out and, hopefully, get the deal done by mid-year."
Smith has been linked to Collingwood whose ranks include his good friend Taylor Adams and two other former GWS teammates - Adam Treloar and Will Hoskin-Elliott.
He seemed both bemused and amused that this had led to speculation linking him to the Pies.
"I talk to Taylor but it's not like he's their list manager," Smith said.
"He calls me once a week, I call him to see how he's going.
"(I) text Will Hoskin-Elliott and Adsy (Treloar) and see how they're going.
"(We've been) mates for four or five years - that's about it."
He will be in much better shape for Saturday's Sydney derby at the SCG than he was last year for the corresponding fixture.
"I couldn't even run around, I kept kidding to myself that I was okay and didn't really know how bad it was," Smith recalled.
"Then I had a little cleanout and I felt better within two days.
"This year, I've done about 95 per cent of pre-season, so pulling up really well."
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