By Peter Ryan
Credit:
Geelong won’t be spooked by the prospect of rival clubs attempting to lure their veteran premiership free agents to assist their list builds by teaching their youngsters the way to play.
Adelaide may have lightheartedly thrown the bait at keen fisherman Patrick Dangerfield to see his reaction, but the Geelong skipper was adamant about his future a fortnight ago when he declared: “I’m not going anywhere.”
That attitude has helped the Cats as they continue to neither rush into extending the contracts, nor write off prematurely the careers of the seemingly never-ending line of champions that have played well into their 30s.
And they will take the same approach this year as six free agents in their 30s, who played in the 2022 premiership, continue to ply their trade, aware that any decisions on their future will wait until a realistic decision can be made.
That doesn’t mean the players are taken for granted, but they are well aware of the way Geelong does business.
It’s been the Cats’ pattern for several seasons now, with the club prepared to back in that their environment will be one that veterans want to remain in if their form demands another contract.
Patrick Dangerfield has had an injury-interrupted start to the season but his form has been strong when he has played.Credit: AFL Photos
The players understand what lies ahead, having watched their teammates go through similar experiences each season.
Since Harry Taylor and Gary Ablett jnr retired after the 2020 grand final, they have seen Lachie Henderson (end of 2021), Joel Selwood, Luke Dahlhaus and Shaun Higgins (2022), and Isaac Smith (2023) all depart without languishing in the VFL.
This season Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Zach Tuohy, Tom Hawkins and Rhys Stanley have all been playing regular senior football as out-of-contract free agents. Only Jed Bews has not played a senior game this season but the father-son premiership player has shown he is keen to return to the AFL team.
The attitude has allowed the club to prioritise key re-signings, with Tom Stewart’s starting the work of list manager Andrew Mackie as he ticks off key players, with Max Holmes also re-signing a fortnight ago.
Now Jack Henry and Tyson Stengle are taking up most of Mackie’s time before he looks to move on to other unrestricted free agents Jake Kolodjashnij and Brandan Parfitt, who have both made good cases to keep going beyond 2024 with their early season form.
The hot market for free agents is being driven by cashed-up clubs willing to spend money on available talent, but also by predictions among recruiters that November’s national draft will carry quality prospects beyond the first round.
Brisbane star Hugh McCluggage has been at his best since Gather Round.Credit: AFL Photos
No packing of luggage for McCluggage
Brisbane Lions onballer Hugh McCluggage has declared his desire to remain at the club as negotiations continue over a long-term deal that would see him locked in their midfield until 2030.
The restricted free agent remains the most attractive player on the list of free agents yet to sign with his club, but Lions fans can breathe easy after a tough week on the injury front.
“We both know where I sit. I love it here. I really enjoy playing footy with this group and living in Queensland. We both want to get something done, but it is taking its time and that is OK. It is simmering away in the background, and I am focused on playing as well as I can,” McCluggage said.
Looking forward at the Bulldogs
The re-signing of key forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan for the next two seasons is a boost for the Bulldogs as they negotiate a tough start to the year that has them sitting in 11th spot.
Now they can focus their energies on determining what price they are prepared to pay for ruckman Tim English, who is keen to remain in Victoria if the right deal can be struck.
The Bulldogs have a plethora of talls at their disposal, but English remains a quality player who could easily re-ignite the interest of other clubs if a deal can’t be struck.
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