The future of some of Geelong’s most decorated AFL veterans remains uncertain after their crushing preliminary final loss to Sydney.
Triple premiership stars Jimmy Bartel and Corey Enright are no certainty to play in 2017 after the Cats’ 37-point loss to the Swans at the MCG.
Bartel was among Geelong’s better performers in the preliminary final but his future has been hotly debated after some indifferent games towards the end of the season.
The 2007 Brownlow medallist is understood to have triggered a clause in his contract to play on next year but there’s speculation about how much time he would be forced to spend in the VFL.
“I don’t think I would sign up for next year to be a VFL footballer, to just use in the case of emergency,” Bartel told SEN radio in August.
“If I was playing VFL football, it would be there to go back and press for selection.”
Backline general Corey Enright was in tears as he left the ground on Friday night, prompting suggestions he might hang up his boots.
The 35-year-old is clearly playing well enough to continue his career – he earned his sixth All-Australian berth this season – but would be among the oldest players in the AFL if he keeps playing.
Star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield said he wasn’t sure whether Enright’s emotion after the game suggested he was considering retirement.
“You understand these opportunities don’t come around all that often,” he said.
“Footy’s an emotional game at different stages. I beg to argue with anyone that has a contrary view to that.
“It’s a tough game. It’s one (where) you live and die by the result and it’s bitter. It’s disappointing.”
Fellow defender Tom Lonergan, 32, is also out of contract and yet to signal whether he will play on next year.
After Friday night’s game, Geelong coach Brad Scott refused to say whether the veterans would continue.
“I’m not going to address any of that tonight – that would be inappropriate,” he said.
Adam
Guest
It will be sorry to see but I'd say goodbye to Bartel & Enright. Not sure if it's right but I think Mackie is contracted for next year otherwise he'd be out as well now. Off load Motlop too now while he's still worth a 5th round draft pick. At the end of 2017 Mackie and Lonergan will be out and possible Taylor as well.
D Fitz
Roar Rookie
For 2017, agreed Taylor to forward line and at least two of Massie, Bartel, Enright, Hawkins and Lonergan should go
Graeme
Guest
SCOTT should be the FIRST to go.
Gecko
Guest
Difficult to know whether the lack of young players coming through at Geelong is due to inconsistent opportunities (small forwards and small defenders are constantly in for two weeks, out for two weeks, while underperforming midfielders have the opposite issue - too many games without accountability). Or maybe they're just not that good. Or maybe the development coach is not that good. Bartel has been no more than serviceable all year so Geelong may as well replace him with a younger bloke who will be no more than serviceable but who may improve.
Birdman
Guest
Nah, Enright, Taylor, Bartel and Lonergan looked solid all season so deserve the right to go on but the end of 2017 will present some real problems. For 2017, I'd 're-purpose' Taylor or Lonergan as a marking forward which they need and open up another defensive spot for a younger player. Mackie is gawwwwnnnn. Has been a passener for 2 years and should be traded or delisted IMHO.
Gecko
Guest
I thought all 3 played okay after the disastrous 1st quarter. But Mackie and Bartel are going to struggle in 2017 and are easily replaceable. Lonergan is the only one that should play on.