<h2>Giants Secure Key Defender Buckley Until 2030 - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Jack Buckley signs four-year contract extension keeping him at GWS Giants until 2030</p> <p>- Key defender was set to become one of the most sought-after free agents in 2026</p> <p>- Giants continue securing important players with long-term deals ahead of the crucial off-season</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>GWS Giants have secured key defender Jack Buckley on a four-year contract extension until 2030, preventing him from becoming a free agent.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Giants Lock Down Premium Key Defender</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Greater Western Sydney Giants have delivered a major coup by securing Jack Buckley on a long-term contract extension that will keep the star defender in orange until 2030. The GWS Giants contract news represents a significant victory for the club, with Buckley adding four years to his existing deal that already ran through 2026.</p> <p>The 27-year-old key defender was positioned to become one of the AFL's most coveted free agents when his previous contract expired, making this re-signing a crucial piece of business for the Giants. Jack Buckley's standing as a leading key defender in the competition had attracted significant interest from rival clubs, but the Giants moved decisively to secure his services before he entered his final contract year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strategic Move Amid Defensive Shuffle</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This contract extension comes at a pivotal time for the GWS Giants, particularly given recent changes to their defensive structure. While the club celebrates retaining Jack Buckley, they're simultaneously managing the departure of key defender Leek Aleer, who has requested a trade to St Kilda.</p> <p>Buckley's importance to the Giants' defensive framework cannot be understated. Partnering alongside two-time All-Australian Sam Taylor, who is contracted until 2032, Jack Buckley helps form one of the AFL's most formidable defensive units. This defensive partnership has been instrumental in the Giants' recent success under coach Adam Kingsley.</p> <p>The defender's value was starkly highlighted during the final month of the 2025 season, when calf injuries sidelined him for the last four matches, including the elimination final loss to Hawthorn. His absence during this crucial period underscored just how vital Jack Buckley has become to the Giants' premiership aspirations.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Remarkable Comeback Story</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Jack Buckley's journey to becoming an elite AFL defender represents one of football's great comeback stories. After playing just 17 games across his first five seasons due to serious knee injuries, he has transformed his career trajectory. The past three years have seen him feature in 68 matches, establishing himself among the League's premier key defenders.</p> <p>The Giants initially took a calculated risk when they signed Jack Buckley to a three-year deal in 2023, banking on his ability to overcome his injury concerns. That investment has paid dividends, with the defender becoming an underrated yet highly valued component of the team's success.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Building for the Future</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This GWS Giants contract announcement continues the club's aggressive retention strategy ahead of what shapes as a crucial off-season. The Giants have already secured long-term deals for several key players, including Finn Callaghan (2029), Aaron Cadman (2030), Connor Idun (2032), Darcy Jones (2028), Toby Bedford (2029), Xavier O'Halloran (2028), and Callum Brown (2028).</p> <p>However, the club faces some departures with winger Jacob Wehr heading to Port Adelaide as a free agent, while untried Wade Derksen is expected to explore opportunities in Melbourne. Despite these exits, securing Jack Buckley through 2030 provides the Giants with defensive stability and continuity as they pursue their maiden premiership.</p> <p>The contract extension ensures the Giants maintain their defensive core while building around proven performers who understand the club's system and culture under Kingsley's leadership.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>For all the latest AFL Trade, Free Agency and Contract news this off-season, keep clicking back to <strong><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl">The Huddle</a></strong> to keep you across all the movement and where your club's picks for the<strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/news/2025-afl-draft-order">2025 AFL Draft</a> </strong>fall.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>