Geelong forward Daniel Menzel can’t expect a long-term contract
GEELONG will happily sign up five-goal hero Daniel Menzel for 2019, but coach Chris Scott said the mercurial forward couldn’t expect a long-term contract.
Geelong
Don't miss out on the headlines from Geelong. Followed categories will be added to My News.
GEELONG will happily sign up five-goal hero Daniel Menzel for 2019 but coach Chris Scott said the mercurial forward couldn’t expect a long-term contract because of his fragile body.
Menzel, 26, has overcome four knee reconstructions to kick 14 goals for the Cats this season and will again become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
SHOCK: SAINT RECOVERING AFTER COLLAPSE
Last year the Cats refused to offer Menzel a long-term contract and after receiving little interest as a free agent he returned to Geelong on a one-year deal worth only about $200,000.
But Scott was thrilled with Menzel’s defensive pressure and selflessness against St Kilda yesterday.
The resilient forward booted four consecutive goals either side of quarter-time to set up the 47-point smashing.
“It’s fantastic to see him able to train with an eye to performance, as opposed to all the hours and hours and hours of work that he’s done just to get out on the field (and) for training itself,” Scott said.
“He looked really sharp. There was a few examples tonight where I think he could see eight or nine (goals) coming, but that’s kind of what you want from your mercurial forwards as well.
“If you’d asked me 12 months ago I would’ve said, ‘Yep, lock him down for the next year’. So that’ll be the plan again.
“But I think everyone’s crystal-clear when it comes to Dan, and I feel for him, but he just can’t expect that any club’s going to commit to him for the long term.
“Because there just so many doubts over his body, and none of them are his fault. It’s just the unfortunate situation he’s in.
“But I’d love to have him committed for 2019.”
Scott said Brandon Parfitt played a complete game and was unsure how serious Corey Gregson’s foot injury was.
Originally published as Geelong forward Daniel Menzel can’t expect a long-term contract
Why in-demand great chose country club as flag Cats reunite
Steve Johnson had plenty of suitors after him, but one contender stood out. The Geelong great opens up on his move, reuniting with his former teammates and the recruits in his sights.
Ball: Don’t put Smith through draft ringer
Fifteen years after he was forced to go through the draft to reach Collingwood, Luke Ball has urged the Cats and Dogs to come to terms to trade Bailey Smith and avoid the anxiety he felt while in limbo.