Focus is on form

GEELONG utility Jordan Murdoch says he is unsure how negotiations for a contract beyond this season will play out, but says he is not letting it distract him playing his role for the team.

The 26-year-old, who plays his 100th game for the Cats tonight, is in the final season of a three-year contract.

He only played 10 games at AFL level in the first year of his current deal in 2016, but has been a regular since, playing 29 of a possible 34 matches from the start of last year.

Adding to that tally and helping the Cats achieve onfield success remains his priority, and he remains happy where things stand.

“I’m coming to the end of a three-year deal now and that happened really easily (last time),” Murdoch said.

“I think both parties were on the same page (then) and wanted to get it done and that was that. This time around I’m not sure exactly how it will work, but I’m in constant contact with my manager and we’re always talking, and he’s always finding out what the club is thinking.

“But it’s just something that is not my first worry at the moment. My first worry is getting the win on Saturday and to get wins moving forward.”

Murdoch is one of several Cats of contract at the end of the year, including Cory Gregson, Jackson Thurlow, Lachie Henderson, Dan Menzel and Cam Guthrie.

After working his way into the senior team, he said he had fallen in love with Geelong and was keen to stay.

“It’s an interesting one, the No.1 focus right now is to play some good footy and the way this year started and last year ended, form for me is quite fickle and I want to stay in the team for as long as I can,” he said.

“The club will approach me and the last negotiation happened fairly seamlessly and without any fuss. I’m unsure how it is all going to work, but I absolutely love the town and love the club, so we’ll work that out as it comes.”