Jimmy Bartel says he won’t sign with Geelong for 2017 if he’ll mostly play in the VFL

GEELONG champion Jimmy Bartel would rather walk away from the game than play next year just to be in the reserves.

GEELONG champion Jimmy Bartel would rather walk away from the game than play next year just to be in the reserves.

The 300-game superstar will in coming weeks trigger a clause in his contract that will allow him to play in 2017.

But the prospect of being relegated to the VFL doesn’t sit comfortably with the 32-year-old triple-premiership star.

“If I was to play VFL football ... I’d be there playing to push my case for AFL football,” Bartel said.

“I don’t think I’d sign up for next year just to be purely a VFL footballer and almost just use in case of emergency — the old break glass option.”

Jimmy Bartel has been in great form for the Cats this season and just celebrated his 300th game. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Bartel wound back the clock in his 300th game last week with 25 disposals and a goal in the win over the Western Bulldogs.

“It was pretty quick, it was 300 and then you might have to finish up or play on (VFL),” he told SEN.

“You’ve always got to prepare for life after football and there’s always the reality in footy if you form’s not good enough you’ll play VFL.

“You don’t got into a year planning on playing VFL football, but obviously the idea would never sit comfortably for you.

CAT CHAMP: VFL, PAY CUT LOOM IF BARTEL PLAYS ON

“You’re there to play AFL football and you’re there to play well.”

The Cats have had a strong track record in recent years moving on favourite sons including Paul Chapman, Steve Johnson and James Kelly.

Chapman retired at the end of last year after two seasons with Essendon, while Johnson in his first year at GWS has played an important role in helping the Giants reach the finals.

Kelly has played 16 games as a top-up player for Essendon.