AFL Trade Week 2023: Geelong Cats news and updates
Port Adelaide is readying itself to send Esava Ratugolea to the draft if their trading partners do not come to the party in the dying hours of trade period.
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Port Adelaide is readying itself to send Esava Ratugolea and Brendan Zerk-Thatcher to the draft if their respective trading partners do not come to the party in the dying hours of trade period.
The Cats utility and Bombers defender have both requested moves to the Power, with both Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher out of contract at their respective clubs.
But Port Adelaide’s general manager of football Chris Davies said Geelong and Essendon were running out of time to trade the pair out.
“As the trade period goes on, I guess we’ll end up finding out (what Geelong wants for Ratugolea), but right now we haven’t been able to break the impasse with Geelong for Esava, and we’ve obviously got … to try to make it happen,” he said on AFL Trade Radio.
“I guess you’ve got to look at all the opportunities to get players onto your list, so if worst comes to worst and we’re not able to find a deal in the next period of time then I guess it (the draft) does become a live option.
“It’s something that we’ve got to think about with not just Esava but the other players that we’re looking at as well.
“I’m still really hopeful that we’re able to strike a deal with Geelong in the next period of time.
“What has become clear through the trade period is that Esava wants to leave Geelong and he wants to play for Port Adelaide.”
Ratugolea fought his way into Geelong’s best side in 2023 having spent much of last season in the VFL, learning a new trade as he transitioned from forward to defence.
He had requested a move to Port Adelaide at the end of the 2022 season, but with one year left on his contract Geelong decided to hold the tall utility rather than dealing him away for a future third-round pick.
Now Geelong could potentially lose him for nothing if footy boss Andrew Mackie cannot come to terms with Port Adelaide, with Ratugolea adamant he will not re-sign at Geelong.
While he is a chance to be picked up in the national draft by any team that has a selection before the Power, the key defender has refused to complete a medical with the 16 other teams in the AFL.
Davies said there was a risk in walking a player to the draft, with other clubs a chance to steal Ratugolea from under them.
“That’s exactly what you’ve got to go through, for us there is potential for another club to take any player that ends up in the national or pre-season draft, and that’s something that we’ve had to work through the last period of time,” he said.
“The trade period goes for a week and a half, and it doesn’t really matter when you get the deals done as long as you do get them done.”
Cats make call on veteran trio’s expiring contracts
Geelong has made a call on Zach Tuohy, Rhys Stanley and Gary Rohan’s futures as the trio of premiership Cats come out of contract.
Geelong has extended the contracts of three of its premiership stars ahead of 2024, with Rhys Stanley, Gary Rohan and Zach Tuohy all signing one-year extensions.
The contract news follows the re-signing of legendary Cats forward Tom Hawkins to a one-year deal, despite rumoured speculation of an impending departure.
Cats footy boss Andrew Mackie said the club was thrilled to have the trio extend their careers at the Cattery.
“Zach, Rhys and Gary are all influential people and players at our football club,” he said.
“They continue to contribute significantly on-field, and the professionalism and leadership they bring off the field is instrumental to the growth of our younger players and the football program.”
Zach Tuohy, Gary Rohan and Rhys Stanley have all signed one-year extensions to remain at @GeelongCats for the 2024 season #AFLpic.twitter.com/x31VBTqQjN
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) October 16, 2023
The re-signings of the veteran trio leaves Mitch Hardie, Oscar Murdoch, Flynn Kroeger and Esava Ratugolea out of contract, with Ratugolea pushing to leave the Cattery.
Deadline Day looms as Cats scramble to make final moves
The AFL Trade Period is set to slam shut on Wednesday evening, with teams still scrambling to finalise player movements ahead of the draft.
Geelong is one team that is still canvassing options with opposition teams, with potential movement both in and out of the squad.
The Cats are deep in trade talks surrounding wanted defender Esava Ratugolea, who is out of contract and is wanting a move to Port Adelaide.
Ratugolea attempted to facilitate a trade to Alberton at the end of the 2022 season after spending the majority of the year in the VFL side.
He was a more required player in 2023, playing 16 games and missing a chunk of matches through multiple hamstring injuries.
Ratugolea played just two games in the VFL this season, averaging 18 disposals and 7.5 marks, while also recording 16 hit outs against the Northern Bullants in round 19.
Geelong's interest in Ollie Lord is real, but the feeling is not mutual, per sources. Lord content at Port Adelaide, wanting to extend his deal after playing 13 games in 2023 #AFLTrade#AFL
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) October 12, 2023
STORY: https://t.co/Ttw9yzKkXSpic.twitter.com/yjT7YzsmfK
Port Adelaide offered pick 24 in the draft for Ratugolea, but the Cats baulked at the offer and instead reportedly asked for young forward Ollie Lord.
Lord debuted in 2023 and played in both of the Powers’ finals matches, kicking four goals against Brisbane in the qualifying final.
The young star reportedly has no interest in leaving Alberton, meaning the Cats will need to find another package that will appease them.
If not, Ratugolea can walk to the draft, since he is without a contract for 2024.
There is an expectation that Geelong will take pick 24 in a trade for Ratugolea if the two teams cannot agree on a player swap, which is looking likely heading into the final days of the trade period.
The second round pick would likely become around pick 30 after academy players and father-son options are bid on during the draft, which opens the door for the Cats to draft a top-quality player.
Geelong Falcons defender Angus Hastie is expected fall in that range, with the Cats showing a preference for drafting local talents.
Inside midfielder George Stevens, who is from Warrnambool, is another player that Geelong is expected to be interested in at the draft in the second round.
Ratugolea for a second rounder?
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) October 10, 2023
Geelong and Port Adelaide are reportedly closing in on a deal for the wantaway defender #AFL#AFLTrade#WeAreGeelonghttps://t.co/QdMVdJjyDV
The Cats currently own just one pick in the top 30, with pick eight expected to remain in Geelong’s hands until the draft, where it could be moved on.
But Geelong is known to be interested in adding another young star, with Ryley Sanders one on the Cats’ radar if he falls down the order.
Western Australian Dan Curtin is also sliding down the draft projections, with the key defender another one that would interest the Cats if they do lose Ratugolea.
Another player that could be of interest for Geelong in a trade with Port Adelaide would be Brownlow Medalist Ollie Wines, who has been involved in trade talks this off-season.
Wines would fit a need at the Cats, with a clear void of inside midfielders as Patrick Dangerfield and Cam Guthrie enter the twilight of their decorated careers.
The 29 year old is contracted until the end of the 2026 season, meaning Wines would need to be open to a trade out of Alberton if he wanted to move.
‘Little bit ugly’: Clubs dispute key defender’s worth
Geelong and Port Adelaide have reached a roadblock in the Esava Ratugolea deal, with Geelong asking for a young Power forward that shares a family connection to the Cattery.
Port Adelaide is reportedly shocked at Geelong’s dismissal of a trade offer for wantaway defender Esava Ratugolea, with the Cats wanting more than pick 24 at the draft.
Geelong has inquired about the availability of young forward Ollie Lord, who has played 13 games this season after debuting against West Coast in round 6.
Lord, who will be 22 by the start of next season, is the grandson of Cats champion Alistair Lord, who won a premiership with Geelong in 1963 and is a Brownlow Medalist.
Geelong's interest in Ollie Lord is real, but the feeling is not mutual, per sources. Lord content at Port Adelaide, wanting to extend his deal after playing 13 games in 2023 #AFLTrade#AFL
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) October 12, 2023
STORY: https://t.co/Ttw9yzKkXSpic.twitter.com/yjT7YzsmfK
The tall forward booted goals in 10 of his 13 games this season, including a career-high of four majors in the qualifying final loss to Brisbane.
Lord is contracted until the end of 2024, but his link to the Cats has made him an interest to the recruiting team at Kardinia Park.
The Power is reportedly not interested in involving Lord in any Ratugolea deal, with no indication that Lord would consider a trade to Geelong, having grown up in south east Melbourne.
Lord is also in the process of discussing an extension to his contract beyond 2024.
Geelong was initially targeting Port Adelaide’s future first round selection in a deal for Ratugolea, but the Power dealt the pick for a 2023 and a 2024 second round pick.
While it looked likely the Cats’ list management team would let the uncontracted defender walk for the 24th selection, it is now looking unlikely that deal, as it stands, gets done.
Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes said on AFL Trade Radio that Geelong was being unrealistic.
“All of a sudden Chris Scott thinks Esava Ratugolea is Glen Jakovich,” he said.
“I don’t think Geelong rated Esava. They rate him now, but when he was actually there and available for selection, there were always five or six players that were picked in front of him and now they’re saying: ‘No, he’s worth more than that’.
“I think this is smart. They’ve gone, ‘You want Esava Ratugolea, we want Ollie Lord’.
“I like what Geelong is doing, but this deal is getting just a little bit ugly with Esava Ratugolea if they’re saying he’s worth more than Pick 24 already.”
There is a chance that Ratugolea walks to the draft, with the utility uncontracted for 2024.
Cats toss up top pick trade as clubs circle
11/10/2023
Geelong is contemplating moving back in the draft, with at least two clubs targeting the Cats’ top-10 pick. But there is one player they want with the pick.
Geelong is discussing trading away its top draft pick as clubs look to move up the order ahead of the national draft in November.
The Cats currently own pick eight, which will potentially be shifted outside the top 10 after draft concessions are finalised, after their first season outside of the finals picture since 2015.
Geelong is interested in bolstering its young midfield stocks, with sources confirming the club’s interest in young star Ryley Sanders, who is expected to be a top 10 selection.
However, if the Tasmanian prospect is off the board by the time Geelong is set to make its selection, the Cats are reportedly open to trading the pick on draft night.
Carlton is interested in moving up the order, with the Blues currently holding onto pick 17 as their earliest pick.
However, the Blues’ next pick is not until 69, while also holding 77, meaning the Cats would need to get creative if they wanted to dish the pick to the Blues.
The deal would likely have to involve Carlton’s 2024 draft hand, with either a future first or second round pick available to be traded.
Another team that is reportedly interested is North Melbourne, who is bolstering an impressive draft war chest that includes two of the top three selections at the draft.
The Kangaroos are currently busy contemplating a move up to the number one pick, and a move for generational draft talent Harley Reid, with West Coast currently holding the first selection.
North Melbourne’s interest in trading with Gold Coast for pick 11 is cooling, but a move into the top 10 is likely more intriguing for the Kangaroos.
After locking in a trade with Sydney for Dylan Stephens on Wednesday, North Melbourne currently holds picks 15, 21, 25, 56 and 64, as well as an end-of-first-round pick due to the AFL’s assistance package.
Hawkins set to remain at Cats despite speculation
11/10/2023
Cats superstar Tom Hawkins will not leave Geelong this off-season, with the veteran forward close to a new one-year deal.
Cats fans can breathe easy, with superstar forward Tom Hawkins closing in on a new deal that will extend his career in Geelong through 2024.
The football world was in shock when former Cats development coach Josh Jenkins said on Trade Radio on Monday that Hawkins could potentially move on from Geelong amid contractual disputes.
Tom Hawkins has signed a one-year extension to remain at Geelong #WeAreGeelong#AFLhttps://t.co/LNGpsib3NB
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) October 13, 2023
However, sources close to the Cats have confirmed the 35 year old will remain at Kardinia Park for his 18th season, with both parties closing in on a deal.
There had been some negotiating around his expected earnings in 2024, however Hawkins was never likely to leave Geelong.
Multiple clubs did inquire about Hawkins’ availability, with the veteran forward an unrestricted free agent.
Hawkins indicated several times throughout the course of the 2023 season that he was eager to play on in 2024, despite an injury-interrupted preseason and a slow start to this year’s campaign.
He is only eight games behind great mate Joel Selwood’s 355-game record at the club, while also booting 781 goals for Geelong.
Cats superstar Tom Hawkins will NOT leave Geelong this off-season, per sources. Close to signing a one-year deal that will keep him at Kardinia Park for 2024.
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) October 10, 2023
Will likely pass Joel Selwood's games record in 2024.
STORY: https://t.co/Ttw9yzKkXS#AFL#AFLTrade#AFLTradeRadiopic.twitter.com/YIjQ3xXIaI
Coach Chris Scott also said Hawkins was “100 per cent” playing on in 2024, with the club eyeing a return to finals after missing the top eight for the first time since 2015.
The key forward slotted 49 goals through 20 games, including outstanding performances against Essendon, booting a career-high goals tally with eight majors in round 7.
Geelong is expected to sign veteran quartet Hawkins, Rhys Stanley, Gary Rohan and Zach Tuohy in the coming days.
Midfielder explored trade before committing to 2024
10/10/2023
Brandan Parfitt will see out his contract at Geelong in 2024, but not before the out-of-favour explored the trade market. Find out why he is staying.
Out of favour Brandan Parfitt explored a move away from Geelong before recommitting to the club, and will see out his contract at the Cats.
The 25 year old is contracted until the end of 2024, having signed a two-year deal in August 2022, but has struggled to find a home in Geelong’s best side.
Parfitt only played nine games in 2023, a drop from the 17 in 2022 and 23 in 2021, having been pushed out of the midfield rotation with new recruit Tanner Bruhn and young star Max Holmes earning minutes in the centre square.
TLA player agent Tim Lawrence, who looks after Parfitt, said on AFL Trade Radio the midfielder explored a potential departure.
“We did consider that with Brandan, and I had discussions with Andrew Mackie about it,” he said.
“He’s not playing, where does it all sit, is this the right place to be?
“Just because there’s interest from an AFL club, it doesn’t mean it’s necessarily going to work well for the player.
“It’s nice to have clubs ring, but is that actually going to work well for the player?
“You then need to do a lot of research on where the list is at, where does the player fit into, where they’re heading and all those sorts of things.
“We went through that process and we spoke to some clubs, but ultimately at the end of the day Brandan was really good, he actually said: ‘do you know what, if I left Geelong and went to 17 other clubs, I am no guarantee to walk into any midfield or into any team’.
“The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.”
Parfitt arrived at Geelong in the 2016 draft, with the Cats selecting the Northern Territory prospect with the 26th selection at the draft.
He averaged 12.7 disposals, 5.6 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game in 2023, having played five of his nine games as the starting substitute.
Parfitt was also the starting substitute in the Cats’ 2022 premiership win, having come into the squad with Holmes suffering a heartbreak injury the week before.
Lawrence said Parfitt was working on increasing his endurance, with his aerobic capacity a glaring weakness during his career so far.
“He’s working really hard on his running capacity, we reckon it can be better,” he said.
“If you’ve got a problem with the way you play or what you’re doing, it’s going to catch up with you again anyway.
“You’ve got to sort this stuff out, you can’t run away from it.”
Wantaway defender set for Power move
10/10/2023
Esava Ratugolea’s desire for a trade to Port Adelaide has been well known for a while, but his agent has given an update about his impending move to the Power.
There is a “strong feeling” that Esava Ratugolea will get his wish and be traded to Port Adelaide, according to player agent Scott Lucas.
Lucas, who manages Ratugolea as a part of Phoenix Management Group, was on AFL Trade Radio on Tuesday morning and said he expected Geelong and Port Adelaide would come to a deal on the wantaway defender.
The Cats are eager to keep the 25 year old, with coach Chris Scott declaring he would do all he can to retain the services of the utility.
But Lucas said the clubs were working towards a deal, with it likely to take most of the trade period to confirm the deal.
“He’s enjoyed his time at Geelong thoroughly, requested a trade at Port Adelaide, now it’s up just to the clubs to work out what both parties think is fair and reasonable,” he said.
“It is my expectation, and a strong feeling that Esava will get to Port Adelaide.
“I think all players don’t expect but would love the trade to happen in the first hour of the first day, but we’re very quick to say ‘hey this can be a drawn out process’.
“It’s a little bit like your school homework, why would you today what you could do tomorrow?”
There is a growing expectation that pick #23 and later pick swaps will be enough to satisfy Geelong in the Esava Ratugolea trade talks.
— Matt Forrest (@mattforrest29) October 9, 2023
The Cats were after the future first before Port Adelaide split it, but the early second (will end up ~#30) should get it done #AFLTrade
Geelong reportedly requested Port Adelaide’s future first round selection to be included in the deal, with the Cats expecting to send back later future picks to appease the Powers’ list management team.
But Port Adelaide dealt the pick on the first day of the trade period, shipping it to Fremantle for two second round picks, which currently sits at #24 and a 2024 selection.
It is likely the 2023 second rounder will ultimately be around pick #30, once all free agency compensation and academy selections are accounted for in the draft.
With Geelong wanting a pick between #15 and #20 for Ratugolea, it is expected the Cats will ask for later pick swaps to even out the sides of the deal, but with Ratugolea out of contract, Geelong will likely take a deal for the big man.
Scott said the teams were still confirming what is fair and reasonable for each side.
“With trade going through until next Wednesday, most clubs will wait until Monday or Tuesday to get the ball rolling, and they’ll park a lot of it.
“In a sense, you want your player to be realistic around what can get done, and then you are also finding out, or chatting to the club that the player is at about what they believe is fair, and then the club that he would like to go to, what they are prepared to give up.
“Then you’ve got to assess it yourself, based on history and other trades and players of a similar stature, and come up with what you think is fair.”
Coaching merry-go-round hits Cattery with Bulldogs interest
10/10/2023
The Western Bulldogs have reportedly set their sights on Geelong’s Matthew Egan after missing out on premiership assistant coach Justin Leppitsch.
The Magpies’ head of strategy and forward line coach was targeted by the Bulldogs to join as the director of coaching, but instead he recommitted to Collingwood for a third season in the black and white.
Luke Beveridge’s team has now shifted its focus to Egan, who has been at the Cattery since the end of the 2021 season in a head of development role.
Egan is a highly respected coach, having led Essendon for the final three games of the AFL season when James Hird resigned from the role.
He also spent time at Melbourne and the Bombers in a variety of roles, having retired early after a serious foot injury in 2007.
Egan spent time at the Cattery from 2009 to 2011, before returning a decade later.
The Western Bulldogs are in the process of rejuvenating its coaching panel, with Rohan Smith, Travis Varcoe and Marc Webb all departing the club at the end of the 2023 season.
Geelong’s coaching staff is in similar upheaval, with highly-respected assistant coach Shaun Grigg leaving Kardinia Park for a reunion with Damien Hardwick on the Gold Coast Suns.
Part-time development and ruck assistant coach Josh Jenkins also left Geelong in the off-season, eager to grow his budding media career.
James Rahilly has already been confirmed as a returning assistant coach for Geelong, having spent the past three seasons working with Adelaide’s forward line after more than a decade in a variety of roles with the Cats.
Trade period opens for 2023, where the Cats sit
9/10/2023
The AFL trade period has officially opened for 2023, bringing speculation around player movement as teams try to build their squads for next season.
After a blockbuster period last season, Geelong is expected to remain quiet over this year’s edition of the trade and free agency period, with just one piece of player movement all but confirmed at this point.
Cats defender Esava Ratugolea has requested a trade to Port Adelaide, with Geelong expected to drive a hard bargain despite him being out of contract.
Geelong is expected to demand Port Adelaide’s future first-round selection to be involved in the trade, with the key defensive market scarce in 2023.
North Melbourne’s Ben McKay, who has nominated Essendon as his landing spot in free agency, will trigger first-round compensation for the Kangaroos, netting the 17th-placed side pick three in the upcoming draft.
Injured Crows defender Tom Doedee, who suffered an ACL injury this year, has nominated Brisbane as his preferred free agency destination which is expected to land Adelaide a second-round pick .
Essendon has reportedly asked for a first-round pick for wantaway defender Brendan Zerk-Thatcher, who conceded the most goals in 2023 and requested a trade to the Power.
The trade period becomes confusing for Port Adelaide in its quest to land both Ratugolea and Zerk-Thatcher, considering both Geelong and Essendon are set to ask for first-round compensation.
However, it is expected that the Essendon defender will be moved for far less than that, with an early third-round pick (Power own #46) likely enough to get a deal done.
Ratugolea is out of contract, so could potentially walk to the draft if a deal cannot be struck, but it is likely that a deal will be completed this week.
A potential trade package for Port Adelaide’s first-round selection would likely include Ratugolea and a future second-round selection, with later picks also swapped.
While the Cats have not been actively linked to any incoming players, they need to land a mature-age midfielder to bolster their thin stocks.
There is a clear gap in the age profile of the club, with the vast majority of players either over 30 years of age, or under 22.
Geelong was loosely linked to Port Adelaide’s Ollie Wines, but it is highly unlikely the contract former Power captain will be on the move after a down year at Alberton.
Power ruck Scott Lycett could come into the fold, with Port Adelaide’s target Jordan Sweet set to push the veteran out of a No.1 ruck role.
Delisted Western Bulldogs utility Tim O’Brien has also been linked to Geelong as a potential free agency signing, while Melbourne’s Brodie Grundy, Fremantle’s Sean Darcy and Bailey Smith have all been the target of rumoured interest from the Cats at times this off-season.
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Originally published as AFL Trade Week 2023: Geelong Cats news and updates
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