Geelong coach Chris Scott understands the level of interest in defender Esava Ratugolea from rival clubs but has stated his athletic swingman 'isn't going anywhere'.

Ratugolea lodged a trade request last off-season in the hope of securing a move to Port Adelaide, who had shown an interest in the versatile tall as a defensive stopper to help Ken Hinkley's cause.

With Ratugolea contracted for 2023, the Cats stood firm in their negotiations and failed to broker a deal with the Power, seeing Ratugolea remain at Kardinia Park for the last year of his deal.

Port Adelaide flagged shortly after the cessation of the 2022 exchange window that they were likely to keep tabs on Ratugolea throughout the course of this season, with their interest in the 24-year-old remaining strong, according to multiple reports.

The demand for key-position backmen looms to be a busy market through the coming months, with Ben McKay - another reported Port Adelaide target - joining the likes of Harry Himmelberg, Tom Doedee, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Jeremy McGovern, Caleb Marchbank and Ratugolea all still unsigned for 2024.

The Cats plan to be just as solid in their hopes of retaining Ratugolea as they were last year, with the New South Wales-born talent developing into a formidable lockdown and intercept defender this year since making the switch from the forward line.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 10: Esava Ratugolea of the Cats and Todd Goldstein of the Kangaroos compete in a ruck contest during the 2019 AFL round 21 match between the Geelong Cats and the North Melbourne Kangaroos at GMHBA Stadium on August 10, 2019 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Speaking to media on Tuesday, Scott said the interest in Ratugolea's services comes as no surprise, while the premiership coach looked to reassure fans the backman would be at in the hoops in 2024.

"In a way, if I were Esava, I would take it as a compliment that other teams are interested and as a coach I certainly do," Scott said.

"We've got players that other teams want. If you're a good team that should be the case.

"To how hard we'd fight for him: about as hard as last year.

"He's not going anywhere."

The Cats have a number of other contract calls to make this year, with Jonathon Ceglar,ย Bradley Close,ย Oliver Dempsey,ย Tom Hawkins, Sam Menegola,ย Gryan Miers,ย Gary Rohan,ย Sam Simpson,ย Isaac Smith,ย Rhys Stanley and Zach Tuohy all without deals for next season.