Small detail that makes free-agent dasher ‘attractive’ to Geelong

GEELONG is hoping to pick up discussion with former Essendon dasher Conor McKenna later in the trade period, with the Irishman able to join the club in a valuable rookie spot.

The Cats are hard pressed for space on their senior list this year, especially if they land trade targets Jack Bowes, Ollie Henry and Tanner Bruhn.

Star finals performers Tom Atkins and Brad Close will be elevated from the rookie to the senior list as well, and the club needs to leave room to use on multiple draft picks.

Geelong sees McKenna (pictured) as “attractive” given the defender can be added to the rookie list, saving an extra spot on the senior list to be used elsewhere.

In 79 games for the Bombers between 2015 and 2020 before he returned to Ireland, McKenna showed star potential as a risk-taking backman. He can walk to the club of his choice as a delisted free agent, with the signing expected to take place late or even after the trade period closes on October 12, once teams know how their list will look in 2023.

Geelong is still waiting on word about where Bowes would like to be traded, after the Gold Coast midfielder met with clubs in Victoria in recent days.

Given the Suns are keen to offload Bowes and their first-round draft pick (currently No.7) to shed his weighty contract, a trade is expected to be easily negotiated once Bowes chooses between Geelong, Essendon and Hawthorn.

The Cats met with Collingwood over Henry and GWS about Bruhn over the opening two days of the trade period and will continue discussions.

The Giants expect Bruhn’s trade to go through before the trade deadline, and have their eye on Geelong’s 2023 firstround draft pick.

Negotiations over Henry may go down to the wire given the Magpies are still keen to keep the forward.

Geelong list boss Andrew Mackie said the Magpies had only flagged a desire for draft picks in return for Henry, not an established player.

The Cats remain keen to keep Esava Ratugolea off the trade table despite interest from other clubs, led by Port Adelaide.

Mackie said the Cats were “pretty clear” they wanted Ratugolea to see out his contract at the club next year.

“He is a contracted player and no doubt the coach does love him and we love him,” Mackie said.