As form improves, Menzel keeps his options open

OUT of contract Geelong forward Daniel Menzel looks set to keep his free agency option open as he seeks the best deal he can for 2019 and beyond.

Menzel put feelers out at the end of last year, after the Cats refused to offer the goal sneak a long-term contract, before eventually signing a one- year deal believed to be worth about $200,000.

But the 26-year-old sits equal third in the Coleman after four rounds and looks more confident in his body than ever before, increasing his currency on the open market.

“Everyone knows that it’s a business, so you’ve got to look at all options,” Menzel told AFL.com.au.

“But you’ve also got to look at the best option for you at the club as well and it was one that, at the end of the day, I was happy staying at the Cats.

“It feels like it’s starting to pay off now.”

Cats coach Chris Scott said on Sunday night that doubts over Menzel’s body meant no club would be prepared to offer him a long-term deal.

The unrestricted free agent said he wouldn’t rush into sec- uring a 2019 contract, despite Scott expressing a desire to have him playing at the Cats next year.

“I know it’s a cliche but I can’t look too far ahead,” Menzel said.

“I started well last year and the body probably didn’t go as well as I would have liked.

“I’d like to just keep going and feeling as good as I am and if that’s the case, we can notch together a few more wins and things will take care of themselves.”

Menzel, fresh off five goals against the Saints, said his body was allowing him to get to more contests than it did last season.

“Not just the forward pressure but actually backing it up in contests and win contests is something that I’m noticing this year,” he said.