Bartel admits end could be close
GEELONG champion Jimmy Bartel admits his future is uncertain heading into the finals series.
Bartel, 32, is yet to commit for next year, despite hitting a trigger clause in his contract allowing him to play on in 2017.
It presents a situation where the 2007 Brownlow medallist could bow out, along with evergreen Corey Enright, if their pursuit of a fourth premiership is successful.
Geelong games record holder Enright put his contract talks on hold last month to focus on the Cats’ premiership push.
“I’ve stated every time someone’s asked me, (I want to) just play this year, play some finals and let’s have a serious talk about it at the end of the year and I don’t think anyone’s changed,” Bartel said.
“We’ve got finals, we’re in a good position and we’re just thinking about that at the moment.”
Bartel wound back the clock, kicking three goals in potentially his last game at Simonds Stadium as Geelong clinched second spot on the ladder with its 111-point demolition of Melbourne.
“It could be (my last game there),” Bartel told Channel 7’s AFL Gameday.
“Obviously the end is a lot closer than the start, I’m well aware of that, whether that be this year or next year.”
Bartel has struggled to find consistency in the second half of the year, rested twice in the past six weeks for interstate trips to Perth and Brisbane. Josh Caddy is Geelong’s preferred option in the high half-forward role, while the emergence of goalkicking midfielder Sam Menegola highlights the Cats’ depth.
Shane Kersten, Nakia Cockatoo and Darcy Lang played VFL yesterday.
Geelong coach Chris Scott wouldn’t be drawn on Bartel’s future early in the week.
“Jimmy’s got a contract for next year; the ball is completely in his court on this one.”