Geelong is eyeing a rebounder to add to its list in 2027 and has fixed its vision firmly on three established players.
Jordan Ridley, Nick Blakey and Lachie Whitfield have all been mentioned in the same sentence as the Cats, with all three potentially on the move.
There is water under the bridge for all three which each carrying their own layer of complexity, plus the expected acquisitions of Toby Greene and Rowan Marshall will lead to a delicate salary balance. Greene is a free agent whose deal is expected to be $1 million per season for three years, while Marshall has a year to run on his contract at St Kilda.
A fresh start makes sense for 27-year-old Ridley, who has managed just 26 games across the last three seasons, but he is contracted until the end of 2029, which could push his price up to a first-rounder.
North Melbourne also has registered interest in the Don and desperately needs defensive reinforcement.
The Cats could also appeal to Ridley, given the more relaxed environment could allow him to better look after his body.
Whitfield is contracted until the end of 2027, with St Kilda also in the hunt for the Victorian who was taken with Pick 1 of the 2012 draft.
The Giants will be keen for more draft capital to match a top 10 bid for Ethan Matthews this year, who is the best GWS Academy talent since Tom Green and fits the narrative being sold around the club being in a reset mode.
Geelong currently has Picks 13, 31, 49, and 67 this year.
Blakey is more complex given the ongoing police investigation will not be wrapped up until after the trade period, and clubs are aware it is a case of buyer beware for those players.
The suspended Swan wants out despite being contracted until 2031, and the Cats will back their culture to get the best out of Blakey, having previously shown an ability to maximise ability.
Zach Guthrie, Tanner Bruhn and Lawson Humphries were the Cats' preferred rebounders throughout 2026.
