ADAM Kingsley sees Aaron Cadman as "the man" to lead the Greater Western Sydney forward line for years to come as the Giants seek to lock away the talented youngster on a new deal.
No.1 draft pick Cadman managed just six goals from a dozen appearances in his 2023 debut season and had put off talks over a contract extension while he settled into Sydney life.
But AFL.com.au reported this week the Giants have now opened discussions with the 19-year-old's management.
The move to extend Cadman's deal comes after GWS initially traded up to secure the top selection in the 2022 draft to get their hands on the GWV Rebels product.
"He's a massive part of our future; a big key forward who can win the ball on the ground and in the air," second-year coach Kingsley said on Wednesday.
"He complements who we have up there (in the forward line) already and I see him in years to come taking over and being the man.
"We're really keen to lock him away quickly and are quite excited about what he's going to be as a Giants player."
Cadman and Leek Aleer, the club's second pick in the 2021 draft, are among the fringe players pushing to break into the GWS side for the 2024 season-opening clash against premiers Collingwood at Giants Stadium.
GWS this week reflected on their last meeting with Craig McRae's Magpies - a heartbreaking one-point preliminary final defeat at the MCG - and hope to build on some positive signs next season.
"We're really confident that the way we play is the right way, particularly in finals, but we didn't maximise a few of those moments during that game," Kingsley said.
"So there's opportunity there for us to improve and we've got to get to work.
"Although we were pleased with our season last year as a whole, we were really disappointed with the way that it finished.
"But there's nothing that we can do about that now. We've got to get to work and try to recreate that again next year."
The Giants have a relatively healthy group at the start of their pre-season training block, with only veteran Callan Ward, Adam Kennedy and youngster Darcy Jones not in full training.
"Everyone's quite excited, including the older and more experienced guys who led the way last year," Kingsley said.
"They're ready to try and improve again and take us further into the finals."
