Three-time Geelong premiership player and former Cats' skipper, Cameron Ling, has warned his old side against trading away young talent to secure Gary Ablett.
Ablett, 33, requested a trade back home to Geelong last week, with the Suns demanding an established player in the Cats' best 22 in return for the two-time Brownlow Medalist.
The Suns have stated they are interested in Mitch Duncan and Nakia Cockatoo. While Duncan and Cockatoo are highly unlikely to be traded by the Cats, youngsters Wylie Buzza and Darcy Lang, as well as Steven Motlop have also been discussed as possible departures to secure Ablett.
But Ling says the Cats should not entertain trades for young talents such as Lang and Buzza for a veteran who may only have one or two years left to play.
“(Geelong) would like to get Gaz and you’ve got to give something for him ... but just don’t give away the future for a bloke who is there for maybe two years,” Ling said on Tuesday.
“If they can strike that balance perfectly (they’ll) not give up too much, get Gary in to get some short-term benefit but also keep their long-term future strong - that’s obviously the best result.
“I think Geelong have to be careful given they’ve given up draft picks in trading over the last few years.
“To then trade out any of that young talent that they’ve got - Darcy Lang’s name has been mentioned, even Wylie Buzza’s name has been mentioned - I think they’ve got to hold onto that youth and develop them.
“That could be the missing link of taking the next step."
Reports emerged this morning that speedster Steven Motlop toured the Suns' facilities on Tuesday, fueling speculation he could be used as part of the deal to secure Ablett.
Injuries limited Ablett to just 14 games in 2017, however, he still managed to win his third Gold Coast best and fairest.
