GEELONG is still keen on keeping unrestricted free agent Daniel Menzel at the club, despite dropping him for Friday night's qualifying final loss to Richmond at the MCG.

Menzel has booted 38 goals from his 17 games this season, and has only once been held goalless (against Collingwood in round 22).

The South Australian is on the hunt for a longer-term deal after having been on a series of one-year contracts.

Four knee reconstructions by the age of 21 held up his career after being drafted at No.17 in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft.

His manager Adam Ramanauskas conceded earlier this year the Cats' bid to lure favourite son Gary Ablett back to the club was "probably" holding up negotiations with Menzel, while Geelong is also interested in disgruntled Dog Jake Stringer.

Outgoing Geelong football manager Steve Hocking told News Corp Menzel was omitted for structural reasons, rather than anything else.

"We are definitely keen and we are in communication with his manager," Hocking said.

"You can't downplay the disappointment a player would feel to be missing a final. It is more structure with the way we set up the forward line. It was nothing more sinister."

Menzel, who turns 26 next week, has lined up in 58 career matches.

The forward admitted in June a return to his home state was appealing. 

He was rested in round six and missed four of the last nine games of the home and away season with injury concerns.

Meanwhile, negotiations with restricted free agent Steven Motlop have not progressed, according to the Cats.

"Steve has postponed them. We are in constant contact with (Motlop's manager) Alex McDonald," Hocking said.

"There was a strong view from their point of view to leave it until the end of the year."

Motlop, 26, has lined up in 21 games this campaign and had a night to forget against the Tigers.