Geelong fringe players set to explore options

Geelong are expected to keep most of their core group together heading into 2022 as they look to improve on a disappointing finish to the season where they had injuries to key players and lost form to lose four of their final six matches and were thrashed by 83 points in the preliminary final.

Veteran defender Lachie Henderson is out of contract and yet to make a call on his future, while Rhys Stanley is hoping to re-sign. Gary Rohan will remain at the club in 2022, while Josh Jenkins is set to finish up.

However, several younger players who battled to cement a spot in the team are expected to explore their options during the upcoming trade period.

Key defender Nathan Kreuger, who attracted interest from Collingwood last year, has had multiple clubs enquire about him, but the 22-year-old was waiting for the Cats’ season to finish before deciding where his future lay.

Kreuger, pick 42 in the 2018 draft, played two games in defence this season having shown some versatility in the VFL.

Midfielder Quinton Narkle, who played 16 games this season after 17 games in the previous three years, decided mid-season to hold off contract discussions until the end of the season.

The 23-year-old did not receive much interest last season when he tested the market but has been unlucky not to cement a spot this season playing four games as the medical sub before being overlooked for finals.

Running defender Jordan Clark remains contracted for next season but has been linked to Fremantle all season with the 20-year-old first round draft pick playing just two senior games in the second half of the season.

He has struggled for form since injuring his elbow late in an impressive first year in 2019.

Charlie Constable struggled to find a new home last season and with a glut of inside midfielders looking for new clubs in 2021 he will face competition for a spot on the list.

Francis Evans, who was injured early in the year will be re-signed while the Cats are optimistic Cooper Stephens, Sam DeKoning and Max Holmes have promising futures.

The Cats have picks 30, 31, 35 and 53 at this stage.

Peter Ryan is a sports reporter with The Age covering AFL, horse racing and other sports.Connect via Twitter or email.

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