ANDREW Gaff’s manager says the re-signed Eagle took until after the club’s best-and-fairest last weekend to make his final decision to remain in blue and gold.

Whispers of Gaff’s call to stay at West Coast began filtering through late Saturday, with the club and player confirming the development by mid-Sunday.

Gaff’s manager Paul Connors said the midfielder’s mind still wasn’t made up at the time of the club’s Worsfold Medal on Friday night, where Gaff gave a speech after finishing fifth.

“I don’t think he had quite landed on staying (by then), but I think he was confident,” Connors said.

“He was probably there, but Andrew takes his time, as West Coast know and I know.

“I think it wasn’t until he came home and spoke to his parents about it over the weekend that he made the decision to stay.”

Gaff’s decision to remain with West Coast and spurn North Melbourne’s monster long-term offer looms as a significant boost to the Eagles’ quest to go back-to-back.

Connors said the lure of Gaff securing a premiership medal of his own after missing this year’s grand final through suspension was a significant driver.

“Andrew Gaff should be applauded for his decision,” Connors said.

“He’s gone through a hard six weeks, and to make that decision to stay at the Eagles and help Nic Naitanui and Brad Sheppard win and spur the boys on who won (this) year... I think it’s good for football.”

West Coast will lose at least one premiership player from this year’s side, with ruckman Scott Lycett today locked in to join Port Adelaide after the Eagles declined to match the five-year offer.

But the Eagles appear closer to securing Tim Kelly after the Geelong midfielder’s manager declared Fremantle was not an option for a trade destination.