Geelong won’t use the sudden death of Gary Ablett’s sister Natasha last week to hasten AFL trade negotiations with the Gold Coast.
The Cats are yet to strike a deal to bring home the Dual Brownlow medallist, who previously declared he will retire if he is unable to play out his career at Kardinia Park.
Geelong list manager Stephen Wells said talks will proceed as planned ahead of Thursday’s 2pm AEDT trade deadline.
“I don’t think our conversation with the Gold Coast is going to change too much,” Wells told SEN radio on Monday.
“Certainly, we won’t be using the current circumstances to enhance the conversation.
“(Suns counterpart) Scott Clayton has been very understanding of Gary’s situations right through. Had good conversations right through. I expect that would continue over the next couple of days.
“Whether that means a deal will be done or not, or I think you’re asking is it more likely a deal will be done or not, I’m not sure.”
Jake Stringer and Jack Watts are also set to dominate the second week of trade talks.
Much of the intrigue will centre on whether Essendon can secure a trade for estranged Western Bulldogs forward Stringer.
The 23-year-old was encouraged to find a new home and has picked Essendon as his preferred destination.
But the Bulldogs have threatened to dig their heels in unless the Bombers offer up suitable compensation for the contracted 2015 All-Australian.
Essendon have already offloaded their first-round pick in this year’s draft to Greater Western Sydney in exchange for Devon Smith, and they may need to swap picks with a third club to satisfy the Dogs.
Bulldogs football boss Chris Grant on Saturday declared that Stringer was “every chance” of remaining on their list, despite his manager publicly suggesting otherwise.
Geelong’s main priority is Ablett but they’ve also shown interest in Stringer and could swoop in, having been given tidy compensation for the departure of free agent Steven Motlop to Port Adelaide.
The Cats had been expecting a late second-round draft pick but instead nabbed a pick at the end of the first round – currently pick No.19.
Port Adelaide are expected to continue their busy fortnight and secure a deal for Melbourne forward Watts.
The former No.1 draft pick appears resigned to having to move interstate after being placed on the trade table.
Mattician6x6
Guest
I don't see there being a huge market for a 34yo with dodgy hammies regardless of name or achievements and consider Geelong would be only suitors out there anyway and for me that is more about marketing benefit than what he offers the team.
Gecko
Guest
It depends whether he plans on visiting his family once a week or every day. Certainly I think it'd be great for Gaz if he could could get back to Geelong. I was just thinking if his plan B was to retire, moving to Melbourne might be a better plan B.
Cat
Roar Guru
Have you stopped for 2 minutes to think about where some of these clubs train and what the daily commute would be like? Sure, its better than GC but its not ideal. Gary was born in Moriac. I'll assume his family is still in the same area (feel free to correct me if I am wrong). Moriac to Seaford (Saint's training base) is 150km commute one way. Two hours with no traffic. Moriac to Casey (Melbourne's training base) is similar. Hawthorn in Waverly or Dingley is slightly shorter but once rush hour traffic is added in it won't be pleasant either. I certainly wouldn't want to set myself up for those daily drives when I could request to be 20 minutes away from home and going back to a club I am already familiar with.
Gecko
Guest
Hmmm...so the Ablett trade is obviously a very sensitive topic, even for Richmond supporters! Are you speculating about a straight swap for Cotchin?
truetigerfan
Guest
Really!? Hawthorn, St Kilda, Collingwood & Melbourne have zero interest! Surprised you didn't mention Richmond also as an Ablett also played there! Why is it so hard to understand, and accept, he moves to Geelong or retires? Not every story has a deceitful web of intrigue behind it! Read his open letter to GC players, staff and fans. Suppose you'll claim it's all lies and smokescreen. This bloke can't win either way because people, like yourself, want to think the worst of him. Let it go!
Gecko
Guest
I'm surprised the talk has been about a very narrow choice: Ablett moving to Geelong or retiring. Surely Geelong is not so far away from Melbourne so if the Geelong trade fell through, Ablett might consider a trade to a Melbourne club that thinks it has a premiership chance in the next two years. Two Abletts have previously played for Hawthorn, and the Saints, Pies and Demons might also consider him.
truetigerfan
Guest
I'm sure Geelong won't use this situation to influence the deal but will GC react with compassion and get it done? Hope the hard line stance is all bluff and bravado! It's time Gazza went home!