DRESSED TO CHILL
THE FOOTY BOOTS ARE OFF AS PLAYERS KICK BACK
THREE Geelong players on the fringe will know their future in coming weeks, but not until they enjoy club celebrations. Cats talls Wylie Buzza, Zac Smith and Lachie Henderson all remain uncertain of whether they will be offered another chance at Geelong next year after going through initial exit meetings earlier this week. Speaking from Geelong’s Wacky Wednesday yesterday, the trio told the Addy’s JOSH BARNES they were happy to let their hair down — as Where’s Wally, a toilet and an elephant respectively — before looking to 2020. BUZZA’S BOARD GAME
KEY forward Buzza gave the strongest indication yet he would have to look elsewhere to continue his career, but stopped short of confirming he would be leaving Geelong after four years.
The left-footer kicked 32 goals from 17 VFL matches this season but couldn’t break into the top side.
Dressed as Where’s Wally, the Queenslandraised player said he was hoping to clear his head up north during a break after post-season celebrations.
“We all did our meetings yesterday or Monday. We all have the clearest possible picture of where we are all at,” he said.
“Hopefully I’ll get back home and see the family and friends and go from there.
“The picture (for me) is as clear as possible, but still with murky water. It’s just a tough situation.
“Managing a list is just like a board game really, you can’t take all things personally but I understand the position I’m in.
“Does that mean I know where I am going to be or what I am going to be doing (next year)? No.”
SMITH STAYS DRY
A VICIOUS rumour possibly spread around the football club by Tom Hawkins that Smith has been leaving a mess behind when he uses the toilet prompted his costume.
But despite trying to point the finger about toilet etiquette, the big man who moved from Gold Coast to Geelong in 2016 wasn’t drawn into his future.
Smith played just six AFL games in the past two seasons, compared to 44 in his first two with the Cats.
“We had meetings over the last couple of days and I’ll let my hair down today and just enjoy mentally switching off,” he said.
“(The meetings were) good, all fine. It’s not the time to talk about that now.”
HENDO HAPPY TO GET AWAY
FORMER Carlton teammates Zach Tuohy and Henderson used the celebrations to promote their podcast The Elephant Rope.
Henderson suited up for Geelong in its preliminary final loss to Richmond, his sixth appearance of 2019.
He has played 171 games across three clubs, with 54 of those with Geelong.
The swingman said he was keen to get away from football for a few days before resuming discussions with the club.
“We’ll have the conversations when they need to be had but there’s no real rush for me,” he said.
“There is a bit of water to go under the bridge and a few things to work through so there’s no rush from my point of view and I think the club as well.
“We’ve had a few chats already, I’ll try and get away for the next few days and steer clear of footy.”