GWS midfielder James Peatling isn’t quite the household name that emerges from the AFL’s youngest team.

But his 2024 season has demanded some external recognition, including the eyes of rival club recruiters.

Peatling is without a contract for next year, which has Collingwood, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, Melbourne and West Coast reportedly flagging their interest.

However, the 24-year-old, amid his first real finals series, has put contract talks on hold until the end of the season, but is eager to remain put.

“I don’t have a contract for next year, so I’ll have to re-sign,” Peatling said on SEN.

“But everything is moving in the right direction, and we’re just taking our time with it and focus on the finals with me playing consistent football because that is something I hadn’t done yet.

“Everything is trending in the right direction, and I love where this club is at, and hopefully we can get something done soon.

“100 per cent (I want to stay).”

Timing is never really desirable for trade speculation, but Peatling and the Giants are to put all outside noise to the side as they focus on Saturday’s semi-final against Brisbane.

GWS were almost faultless in week one of the finals against cross-town rivals Sydney but, unfortunately, weren’t able to come away with the chocolates.

Coming into this highly-anticipated contest, the Giants will start as favourites, given their home-ground advantage and recent form line against the Lions.

The ‘Orange’ team won both encounters throughout 2024, while Chris Fagan’s men last played at ENGIE Stadium in 2020, as matchups are generally played in the nation’s capital at Manuka Oval.

“It’ll be really exciting playing in Sydney in front of the home fans,” Peatling said.

Adam Kingsley has confirmed that Toby Bedford will return to the side, with either Toby McMullin or Xavier O’Halloran likely making way for the run-with role player.

As for the Lions, key defender Jack Payne is pushing his case despite a knee injury in last week’s elimination final win.

If Payne doesn’t get up, Fagan is likely to recall Darragh Joyce in his place.