In-demand Harry Taylor has given the strongest indication yet he will sign a new AFL contract with Geelong.

The All-Australian defender and two-time premiership star’s worth has soared still further in the first two months of the 2013 season, during which time he has regularly been swung forward by Cats coach Chris Scott to telling effect.

Taylor – who is out of contract at the end of the year – has been strongly linked with West Coast, should the West Australian and his wife decide to move home with their young family.

But the lure of extending his stint at a club contending strongly for a fourth flag in seven years is hard to resist.

“We’ve got a great team, we’ve got a great leadership group, we’ve got a great coaching group – it’s just an amazing place to be around,” the 26-year-old Taylor told Sport 927 radio on Tuesday.

“When you win so many games of football in such a short period of time, which I’ve been lucky enough to be a part of, it seems pretty silly just to run away and take off.

“But as I mentioned, we’ve just got some personal things which we have to make sure we get right first.”

Scott was even more bullish the deal would get done.

“I’m really comfortable with the way these things work these days, especially at our club,” he told reporters on Tuesday.

“Harry and I and the other powers-that-be at our club have very frequent and open discussions.

“I’m loath to say I’m too confident, because that might sound like I’m putting pressure on Harry. But I am.

“Harry and the club are in a really good place.

“We understand that other clubs would love to have him on their list and they can go their hardest.”

Scott revealed on Tuesday the Cats would blood their 13th debutant since winning the 2011 premiership, with 20-year-old forward George Burbury to play his first AFL match against Port Adelaide on Saturday.

“Twelve months ago he was so far away from AFL footy it wasn’t funny,” said Scott.

“But through hard work and determination, as well as a bit of talent, he’s worked his way into our AFL team which has lost one game for the season.

“It’s a credit to him.”

Paul Chapman is certain to sit out at least one more week with a hamstring injury, while Billie Smedts will also miss the trip to AAMI Stadium with an ankle complaint.

Star utility Steve Johnson needs to prove he has overcome the calf strain which forced him to withdraw from last Saturday’s six-point loss to Collingwood.