GWS star Connor Idun's savage swipe at St Kilda after reported $17million megadeal for Finn Callaghan is rejected

GWS has held off a huge money raid from St Kilda to keep one of its brightest stars, with one Giants star taking the moment to deliver a cheeky sledge at the Saints in the process.

Rising AFL star Finn Callaghan has shown his faith in the flag-chasing Greater Western Sydney after signing a four-year contract extension.

The highly-rated midfielder will be with the Giants until at least the end of the 2029 season after resisting overtures to return to his Victorian home.

Off-contract at the end of this season, the 21-year-old reportedly turned down a monster $17million, 10-year deal from St Kilda to remain in NSW.

GWS defender Connor Idun made the announcement that Callaghan was staying at the club, and couldn't resist taking a cheeky job at his pay packet in the process.

'Very pleased to announce our boy Finn Callaghan for another four [years],' he said.

'Congratulations mate, obviously a great sign of faith to the club. Shows what we're trying to create here, keep the young core together.

'Yeah, as I said, stoked and enjoy the cash mate.'

The signing was a welcome relief for GWS fans as well, afraid they would lose the young star to the cashed-up St Kilda offer.

'Not going to lie, losing Finn would have broken me. One thing I love about the AFL and its draft system is watching your top picks mature and grow into guns. Thanks for being loyal Finny,' one posted.

And GWS football boss Jason McCartney also praised the young gun for resisting interest from other clubs.

'Finn has shown over his first three seasons that he's an immense young talent in this competition and we are rapt to sign him to a new four-year deal,' he said in a club statement.

'A player of Finn's talent and age meant there was always going to be huge immense interest from other clubs and it's fantastic that he's re-committed to the club as we see him as a huge piece of our future.

'Finn can see the bright future of the club under Adam Kingsley and wants to be part of the success that we strongly believe is on the horizon.'

Despite missing out on Callaghan, St Kilda coach Ross Lyon is still signalling his intent on turning the club into a Victorian powerhouse.

'As one premiership coach told me, once you let your contracted players walk out the door you are hanging your shingle out the front that says come and walk all over us, too,' he said.

'We are hanging no shingle out, here (at St Kilda).'

Callaghan has been instrumental for the Giants in the engine room alongside Tom Green, averaging 23 disposals, 3.6 tackles, and 3.4 clearances per game last year - his third season at AFL level.

He is the latest in a long line of GWS stars - including Jesse Hogan, Brent Daniels, Aaron Cadman and Sam Taylor - to sign contract extensions.

Left burning after a straight-set finals exit, GWS will kick off their 2025 season by hosting Collingwood at Engie Stadium on March 9.