Greater Western Sydney star Dylan Shiel knows the conundrum facing in-demand AFL teammates Josh Kelly and Jacob Hopper well.
Shiel has so far resisted the temptation to return home to Melbourne despite the prosect of a major pay rise, having signed a two-year contract extension with the Giants earlier this season.
Rival clubs are now splashing the cash in an effort to recruit GWS young guns Kelly, who is reportedly attracting offers worth $1 million a season, and Hopper.
Both Kelly and Hopper are likely to remain Giants but until they put pen to paper, intrigue will only build.
Shiel doesn't want to place any additional pressure on any out-of-contract teammates, and says that living outside the AFL bubble in Victoria helps in that regard.
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"It's much easier up here in Sydney .... I couldn't imagine what it would be like dealing with that sort of pressure in Melbourne," Shiel said at Spotless Stadium on Wednesday.
"Fortunately, what we've seen with Josh, is that the added speculation is not really hindering his performance."
Kelly, whose father Phil played with North Melbourne, has been one of GWS's best players this year.
The midfielder, who was taken with pick No.2 in the 2013 draft, has been linked with the Kangaroos, Carlton and St Kilda.
"Hopefully he does make a decision in our favour soon," Shiel said.
"It's something you don't want to be talking to him about every day and every week.
"Because Josh has to go through his own decision-making process, 90 per cent of the public think it's a money decision but there's much more to it.
"He's got family, friends and other factors that can influence his life. He can have all the time he needs."
Regarding Hopper, who hasn't played since round seven because of finger and ankle injuries, Shiel noted "he's well liked among the playing group and we definitely hopes he stays".
