Geelong still open to keeping Steven Motlop as interstate clubs circle

THREE interstate clubs are vying with Geelong for the services of Steven Motlop, with the Cats still a chance of keeping the silky midfielder.

Could Steven Motlop stay at Geelong? Picture: AAP

THREE interstate clubs are vying with Geelong for the services of Steven Motlop, with the Cats still hopeful of keeping the silky midfielder.

Player manager Alex McDonald said the Cats had been supportive as Motlop explored his options, and had put their position forward to the restricted free agent.

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Could Steven Motlop stay at Geelong? Picture: AAP

“Geelong have been really good, very, very supportive, they’ve put a position forward, so they haven’t closed the door whatsoever,” McDonald said on SEN’s Crunch Time this morning.

“Obviously, being a restricted free agent, Steven’s exercising his right to see where the market sits.

“The coach (Chris Scott) has come out and said ... his preference is that Steven stays.

“We understand the Cats have got some other things in play as well.”

The Cats are hoping to strike a deal with Gold Coast to bring Gary Ablett home and were yesterday linked to Demon Jack Watts, but appear to have missed out on GWS livewire Devon Smith and talented Bulldog Jake Stringer.

Motlop was sublime in the Cats’ semi final win over Sydney and was just about best-on in their preliminary final loss to Adelaide, but has struggled for consistency throughout his 135-game career.

Could the Cats find a way to keep Steven Motlop and bring Gary Ablett home? Picture: Getty Images

McDonald said three interstate clubs were chasing the NT product and he had already met with the Gold Coast.

“From outside Geelong, he’s had a really thorough chat with Gold Coast ... really impressive ... part of the delay is wanting to meet the coach — that’ll happen at some stage next week.

“They’re a genuine interest.

“It’s out of the four, unless someone else comes to the party late, and the other two are Port (Adelaide) and Adelaide.

“We’re just working through the due diligence piece, which involved the coaches and players.”

McDonald said Motlop would likely make his decision by the end of next week.

Originally published as Geelong still open to keeping Steven Motlop as interstate clubs circle