Geelong delists rookies Patrick Retschko and Xavier Ivisic as future unclear for George Stevens
Geelong has made its first list changes since its grand final loss, with two Cats delisted — one despite an eye-catching VFL campaign. Plus, a promising midfielder could be forced to wait.
Geelong has delisted rookies Patrick Retschko and Xavier Ivisic after a year on the Cats list, as an unsigned youngster faces an uncertain wait.
The outside midfielders were taken in the 2024 rookie draft, with Retschko enjoying a strong first season at VFL level, finishing fifth in Geelong VFL’s best-and-fairest.
It comes as VFL best-and-fairest runner-up George Stevens is yet to be offered a contract.
Stevens, who had his exit interview on Wednesday, could be forced to wait until the end of the trade period for a new deal despite finishing nine votes behind Cats best-and-fairest winner Marcus Herbert from two less games and polling a Brownlow vote in his AFL debut in round 17.
Geelong has been strongly linked to Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel which would hurt Stevens’ chances of getting opportunities in the Cats engine room.
It is understood the big-bodied 189 centimetre midfielder has no clear rival suitors.
Small forward Oli Wiltshire is another out-of-contract fringe Cat yet to receive an offer, although it is understood the possibility of a one-year extension has been raised in talks.
The Barwon Heads product broke through for two AFL games in rounds seven and eight and kicked 18 goals in 13 VFL games.
He attracted interest from several clubs earlier in the year after a stellar start to the VFL season.
Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie thanked Retschko and Ivisic for their time at the club.
“It is always a difficult time of year farewelling players, and both Xavier and Pat were great teammates and contributors to our program,” Mackie said.
“We thank them for their hard work and dedication, and wish them every success in the next chapter of their careers.”
Retschko showed promise at VFL level as he averaged 22 disposals and kicked 13 goals across 18 VFL games this season, tallying 30 disposals and 11 score involvements in his second last game in Cats colours.
Geelong Falcons product Ivisic was sidelined for the start of the season with a syndesmosis injury and played 13 games, where he averaged 15 touches.
Injury riddled veteran Cam Guthrie and defender Jed Bews remain unsigned along with fringe forward-midfielder Ted Clohesy and ruck rookie Joe Pike.
Mackie confirmed to K rock ahead of the preliminary final that Rhys Stanley and Mitch Knevitt had both secured one-year contract extensions.
Dual premiership player Mitch Duncan announced his retirement during the AFL finals series.
Originally published as Geelong delists rookies Patrick Retschko and Xavier Ivisic as future unclear for George Stevens
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