Greater Western Sydney would only need to match the aggregate amount and number of years – but not specific annual dollars – if they chose to match any free-agent offer to star midfielder Stephen Coniglio.

While there has been speculation that Carlton could offer Coniglio a heavily front-loaded deal with up to $2 million in the first year of their contract, under the free agency system the Giants would not need to pay that amount in the first year if they took the unprecedented step of matching the offer.

Free agent Stephen Coniglio (left). Credit:AAP

The Giants have suggested they are willing to match a Coniglio free-agency deal, depending on the amount offered, if their midfielder decides to leave, though they remain optimistic that he will spurn offers from the Blues and Hawthorn and stay.

Under the rules, confirmed by the AFL, teams can match free-agent offers by agreeing to pay the average of the contract, and do not have to pay the specific dollars put forward by the free agent.