ANDREW Gaff isn't in any rush to sign a contract extension, but the star West Coast midfielder says the chance for premiership success will be a factor when he weighs up his playing future.
The big-name restricted free agent has been in stellar form and was among the League-leading Eagles' best again with 24 touches and a goal in Sunday's demolition of reigning premier Richmond.
Gaff has repeatedly stated he won't look to re-sign before June and, as that mid-way point of the year approaches, he has reportedly become the target of five Melbourne clubs keen to lure him home.
While the 25-year-old has plenty to ponder, he declared team success will be an important element in his decision.
"Yeah, definitely, I think all guys play to win premierships, but we know how hard they are to win," Gaff said.
"Only one team finishes the year happy out of all 18, so no doubt it's going to play a big decision in my mind."
While the Eagles have won eight straight to move a game clear on top of the ladder, Gaff isn't ready to re-sign yet.
"Obviously it's very exciting for the footy club but I've been pretty firm in my stance that I'll get that (contract) done later in the year," he said.
"But it's just so exciting the youth and enthusiasm at the club at the moment, and obviously the excitement around the state of WA with us playing well.
"I'm more focused on that and what will happen, will happen later in the year."
Gaff credited a harder edge for West Coast's second-half belting of Richmond, with the Eagles running away to a 47-point victory after scores were level at the main break.
While he baulked at talk of the Eagles considering themselves a premiership contender, the hard-running onballer said the victory had fueled their growing belief.
"It just gives further confidence that our best footy is good enough – obviously we've beaten a few teams lower on the ladder to start the year," Gaff said.
"But to beat Port Adelaide, GWS and now Richmond in three weeks just gives good belief within the group.
"Obviously we're a young group and a lot of guys have played less than 10 games and it gives them belief that their best footy is good enough and they're playing well enough to dominate games.
"You see guys like Jake Waterman and Willie Rioli really stamping their authority on the AFL at the moment, and the leaders just doing their bit as well."
The Eagles face a rare Etihad Stadium clash with bitter rivals Hawthorn this Sunday, and will be searching for their first win in Melbourne over the Hawks since 2006.
Gaff was speaking at a promotion on behalf of Foodbank and club sponsor AGL, which will donate 500 meals to those in need for every kilometre the Eagles star runs at home games for the rest of the season.
Gaff clocked up 14.9km against the Tigers, one of his lowest marks for the season.
"Looking forward to doing that for the rest of the year. It will give me motivation to run that extra bit when it gets tight in the last quarter," he said.
