Geelong Cats

AFL trade news: Update given for Cats quintet

Geelong are facing a number of contract dilemmas as we enter the back-end of the year.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Despite a recent re-signing spree, Geelong remain to have a bevy of out-of-contract key names that the Cats will be looking to lock away for the future.

So far this year, the club have secured the services of Joel Selwood, Jack Henry, Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Atkins, Jed Bews, Sam De Koning and Cooper Stephens to new deals.

While the retention frenzy has given a promising outlook to the club's future, several senior figures remain unsigned past 2021.

Headlining the list is gun midfielder Cam Guthrie, who is relishing a dominant role in Chris Scott's engine room in 2021 off the back of a maiden All-Australian campaign.

Despite a glamorous season in the hoops, the 28-year-old has managed to remain out of the spotlight when it comes to free agency discussions, with the Cats reportedly confident Guthrie will sign on the dotted line.

As reported by Fox Footy's Jon Ralph, Guthrie is likely to ink a new deal to remain at Kardinia Park past 2021 on a figure south of what he could demand from rival clubs.

Ralph revealed that talks between the star onballer and the Cats are underway and progressing nicely.

“They’re in talks with Cameron Guthrie’s manager, who also happens to be his dad," Ralph said on AFL Tonight.

"They’re going quite well … He probably won’t get as much money as he would on the open market at a rival side, but he will clearly stay."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 29: Quinton Narkle (L) and Luke Dahlhaus of the Cats celebrate during the 2021 AFL Round 11 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 29, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Two players that have had their futures come under the microscope in past months is young duo Jordan Clark and Quinton Narkle.

The pair have long been linked to returns to their home state of Western Australia as they lack senior opportunities at Geelong.

"Jordan Clark, the club keeps saying: ‘We’re really confident that he’s building, Joel Selwood is his mentor, we’re trying to play him as an inside midfielder rather than the winger that he was when he arrived.’ But I don’t think that he feels like there is a place for him in this football club. So I think he’s more likely to leave," Ralph added.

“Quinton Narkle, we’ve all been really upset that he has been dropped at times. But to be honest, he hasn’t deserved his spot in the side the last couple of weeks. He’s just going to have to play great football, but there are going to be avenues out there for him."

Ralph also revealed that Geelong are hopeful that veteran defender Lachie Henderson will look to enter his 15th season in the AFL next year, with the rejuvenated backman a strong chance to hold his place in the senior side.

One player that has struggled to cement his place at AFL level is young midfielder Charlie Constable, who has found himself behind in the pecking order given the Cats' star-studded engine room.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Charlie Constable of the Cats is congratulated by team mates after kicking a goal during the round two AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Melbourne Demons at GMHBA Stadium on March 30, 2019 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Sensational form in the VFL across recent weeks hasn't been enough for the 22-year-old to return to Scott's side since Round 3.

“Charlie Constable’s another one who has had minimal suitors but is too good for the VFL. He’s just probably a tad slow to be playing in the Geelong side with some of the other inside midfielders there," Ralph said.

Geelong are believed to be balancing a tight amount of salary space, but have become more flexible in their finances thanks to reported sacrifices from the likes of Selwood and gun forward Tom Hawkins amongst others.

Published by
Mitch Keating