MENZEL LIMBO

DANIEL Menzel’s future remains up in the air, despite the free agency window closing yesterday.

The unrestricted free agent is still in the mix to find a new AFL home before Wednesday’s trade deadline, with the Western Bulldogs linked to the injury-prone goal kicker.

The Dogs would have risked compromising their compensation pick (No.27) for Luke Dahlhaus had they got Menzel as a free agent, but could trade a pick as late as No.82 to acquire him next week.

Menzel is also a chance to remain at the Cats on a oneyear deal, just like he received after last year’s trade period.

Geelong list manager Stephen Wells said there was no progress yesterday.

“Anyone who’s an unrestricted free agent, if it’s not done by then, there’s still the trade period, of course,” Wells said. “Nothing’s changed there, so let’s just see what happens in the trade period.”

Menzel is marked hard for his limited defensive pressure and injury history, despite coming second in the club’s goalkicking this season.

Wells also quashed rumours that veteran ruckman Shane Mumford could come out of retirement to play at the Cats, as well as suggestions Brendon Goddard could play a role at Geelong next season.

The Cats have re-signed rookies Jamaine Jones and Sam Simpson to one- and twoyear deals respectively.

Small forward Jones played seven games in his debut season, while Simpson managed one in 2018 to take his career tally to six.

“They’ve agreed to be rookies again,” Wells said.

“We’re very excited with the way they’re progressing and they’re excited to still be with the Cats in 2019.

“Those guys are staying as rookies, but they will be available for selection every week.

“They get another good pre-season behind them and looking forward to next season as they develop physically as well as with that bit of experience they’ve had.”