BIG CAT IN NEW CONTRACT
GEELONG ruckman Ryan Abbott has committed to the Cats for a further two seasons, rejecting offers from opposition clubs that were on the lookout for tall timber for 2019 and beyond.
Abbott made his senior debut against Richmond in Round 20 and came back into the side two weeks later after Geelong’s preferred ruckman Rhys Stanley re-injured his calf.
He impressed in his four games and had caught the attention of several clubs, in Victoria and interstate.
The 27-year-old knocked back the initial one-year deal that was put to him by the Cats, backing in his ability to try to claim the No.1 position ahead of Stanley and forgotten big man Zac Smith for next season.
Abbott told the Geelong Advertiser last week he had been surprised by the interest in him given his relative inexperience, but insisted he wanted to stay in Geelong.
“It is a little bit of a surprise, but you never really know what is happening at other clubs,” he said.
“There are injuries and players coming and going, so there are obviously some opportunities.
“Obviously I haven’t resigned yet at Geelong but I really do want to stay at his club. I am a local Geelong boy and have played all of my football here, so the priority is to be playing with Geelong going forward.
“I am hoping to get something done in the next few days . . . and we are just working through that now.”
Abbott’s signature means the Cats will now turn their attention to their remaining out-of-contract players, including small forward Lincoln McCarthy, who has attracted strong interest from Brisbane Lions, and free agent Daniel Menzel, who is believed to be on St Kilda’s radar.
Fellow free agent George Horlin-Smith has gained interest from Gold Coast, who see the South Australian as an ideal candidate to help provide some on-field leadership to a young list.