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GEELONG wants Gary Ablett to play on in 2020, but will give the dual Brownlow medallist time to decide if he wants to push himself through a 19th AFL season.
Ablett’s manager, Liam Pickering, said yesterday his client had an offer and would likely make a decision on his future by the end of the week.
The contract has been in front of the 35-year-old for a few weeks, but he has been given time to consider his future following the Cats’ loss to Richmond in a preliminary final.
Geelong’s best-and-fairest count, to be held tomorrow night at Crown, could be the ideal time for Ablett to reveal his intentions.
Pickering said he could “easily” play on next year, but the decision would likely be based on his motivation to endure another pre-season, as well as how his body would withstand another season.
Asked on AFL Trade Radio the percentage likelihood of Ablett signing a new deal, the manager said his client was a “60-40 or 70-30” chance — “but that’s just my opinion”.
“My gut feel is he probably will, but I don’t know . . . he hasn’t decided yet,” Pickering said.
“I think they’d like to get an answer some time this week. You think that they’d get something this week.
“I think Gary would probably make a decision by this week. It’s been a couple of weeks now.”
Pickering said the commercial terms of the offer to Ablett had been agreed on, it was now simply a case of whether the veteran wanted to accept it.
“That was always the plan for him, to finish the season and let it breathe a bit, and go away and have a chat with his family and then come back and confirm either way,” he said.
“I think he had a very good season and I think he could easily play on next year.”
Geelong list manager Stephen Wells confirmed an offer was in front of Ablett.
“We’ve spoken to Gary about his future and if he does decide to play he knows the contract arrangements that he will be playing under,” Wells said on SEN.
“He’s weighing everything up as he said publicly. If I had to guess, I would say he will play, but won’t be surprised if he doesn’t either.”
Pickering dismissed suggestions Ablett would have to accept less money than in previous years at the Cats to continue his career.
The player posted a message on Instagram on Saturday saying he was deep in thought.
“There’s a lot to weigh up but I’m confident that whatever decision is made will be a well thought-out one,” he wrote.