Injury-plagued Cat Nakia Cockatoo to delay contract talks with Geelong

Injury-plagued speedster Nakia Cockatoo is happy to put contract talks with Geelong on hold until he can put a solid block of games together after battling through four injury-wrecked seasons with the Cats to start his career.

Nakia Cockatoo played just two games for Geelong in 2018. Picture: Michael Klein

Injury-cursed Geelong flyer Nakia Cockatoo is content to park contract talks until mid-season as he attempts to finally string games together for the Cats.

Cockatoo is attempting to put together a consistent training block after another bizarre summer highlighted by a Bali spider bite and tonsillitis.

The No.10 draft pick from the 2014 national draft possesses such explosive abilities that Chris Scott played him in a 2017 preliminary final after only two games in the second half of that year because of injury.

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Nakia Cockatoo played just two games for Geelong in 2018. Picture: Michael Klein

Cockatoo loves the club but both his management and Geelong are happy to wait until later in the year to get a more accurate assessment of his worth.

At his best he is a linebreaking potential star but both club and player would be frustrated with his consistent run of injuries.

Cockatoo’s preparation was put back after the Bali spider bite that took some time to diagnose, then a fortnight on the sidelines after having his tonsils removed.

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He played only two AFL games last year after collecting a career-high 15 possessions in a half against West Coast then suffering a PCL injury.

His lightning speed and tackling pressure are exactly the kind of qualities Scott wants in his forward line but his durability is a serious concern after only 34 games in four years.

Cockatoo in action at a Geelong pre-season training session. Picture: Alan Barber

Apart from Tim Kelly, the Cats have few pressing contract concerns, with Harry Taylor’s deal extended until the end of this season and Gary Ablett also out of contract.

Taylor will attempt to return to regular senior football after plantar fascia issues ruined his 2018 season, while Ablett’s future will likely be a season-long topic of conversation.

Tim Kelly will play out the season then again ask for a trade to West Coast after the Cats knocked back pick Nos.20, 22 and a second-round pick in October.

Kelly will be on a set second-year wage plus match payments but like many clubs in premiership contention the Cats have a tight salary.

Wylie Buzza, Zac Smith and Jake Kolodjashnij are among the other Cats coming out of contract.