The 28-year-old Byrnes has played just four senior games this season, however he has played a significant role in the Cats' VFL team.
Byrnes has played 108 games in nine years at Geelong for 79 wins and 29 losses, including two Grand Finals for two premierships. He has played just nine games under Chris Scott in the past two seasons after kicking 32 and 35 goals in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
His most recent senior game was in round 7, 2012.
A popular clubman and Cats' life member, Byrnes would add pace to the Demons as well as the work ethic and experience necessary for the developing group. He fits the profile of player the club is after: from a successful environment and with a strong character.
Byrnes played well in the VFL for the Geelong Cats last Sunday as they lost to Port Melbourne and will take the field on Sunday as the Cats take on Box Hill at Casey Stadium.
Byrnes' manager Dan Richardson said that Byrnes would be waiting until the season had ended before examining his options.
"Shannon is focused on playing finals at this stage," Richardson said.
Byrnes was not selected in the senior side to replace the suspended Steve Johnson for Saturday night's game against Fremantle.
As an unrestricted free agent Byrnes can go to a club of his choice during the free agency period.
The AFL Free Agency period runs for three weeks and starts on October 1, two days after the Grand Final.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club or the AFL.
