Greater Western Sydney have retained in-demand midfielder Jacob Hopper.
He has signed a new two-year deal to remain at the expansion club, turning down advances from Victorian clubs keen to bring the 20-year-old home.
Geelong had been strongly linked with the young star, who topped all Rising Star candidates for tackles per game this season, and was second for clearances.
"This is my home and where I want to play football," he told the GWS website.
"I'm so excited for what's to come with this group and I absolutely want to be a part of it."
Hopper was among the favourites to win the Rising Star award but missed half the season with finger and ankle issues.
He has returned to the first team over the last month and is expected to line-up up in the finals series.
GWS finished fourth after the home and away season and will play Adelaide in a qualifying final on Thursday.
His re-signing means the Giants list managers can turn their attention to retaining Josh Kelly, who has enjoyed a brekaout year.
The fellow Victorian has been strongly linked with a return to his home state.
North Melbourne has been touted as a potential new home given their failed pursuit of Richmond star Dustin Martin and the fact that Kelly's father Phil played 61 matches there in the 1980s.
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