Geelong's pursuit of wantaway Melbourne star Clayton Oliver is ready to be "put to bed", according to its list boss Andrew Mackie.
Oliver has been engulfed in a media storm following a turbulent 12 months that resulted in him meeting with Cats players last week to discuss the possibility of heading down the highway.
However, a big stickler in the potential move is the four-time Keith 'Bluey' Truscott medallist is the monster contract that is lingering in the background.
Oliver's six years - and attached price tag - remaining on his current deal would be difficult to swindle for any rival club, and Geelong is the latest to bow out of the race.
"There is six years to go on his contract, and from our end, it was fleeting," Mackie said on the opening day of the AFL Trade period.
"Clayton's management were aware that it might be in his best interest to have a conversation, but it was pretty brief, to be honest.
"We met with him last Tuesday, and it's always time well spent, but as far as we're concerned, Melbourne have come out and had their stance on it, and we're respectful of that."
Demons list manager Tim Lamb shared the same sentiment, saying Oliver will remain in the red and blue in 2025.
"Clayton (Oliver) will be at the club next year 100 per cent. He has never been offered for trade," Lamb said
"If a player has a meeting, it doesn't mean they want to leave. He is happy to be with us next year."