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STEVEN Motlop will be a Geelong player in 2017, his manager Alex McDonald has confirmed.
Before the NAB AFL Trade Period even started, the Cats made it known they were prepared to part with Motlop if an opposition club could come up with a suitable offer for the 25-year-old.
But interest for the speedster wasn’t there and Motlop knows where he stands as he approaches the final year of his contract, McDonald said.
"He's had some really good conversations with the club and they've been very forthright," McDonald told NAB AFL Trade Radio.
"He knows what the expectations are and he realises that from a team perspective, they (the Cats) are in a good position to get into a Grand Final which he hasn't experienced before."
McDonald conceded opposition clubs were wary of what they may be getting if they committed to Motlop, given his relatively high salary and the fact he did not present in the best shape prior to last year's pre-season.
Despite an up and down season, the clever forward still bagged 38 goals in 2016.
"Clubs are pretty cautious about players who are paid OK and who are a little inconsistent in their performance – it's a big investment for any club," McDonald said.
"Clubs were fairly cautious in their level of interest in Steven this year."
But McDonald said it was the wake-up call Motlop, who finished second in Geelong's best and fairest award in 2015, needed as he enters a critical juncture in his career.
"From a Geelong perspective, he's got the support of the players, the club is 100 per cent behind him and he knows what the expectation is," McDonald said.
"So it's head down and bum up now.
"You hope you don't have to face them (difficult situations) at all, but if you do, you hope it comes at the right moment.
"He's 25, he's got the best years of his footy still ahead of him so hopefully it's a win for everyone."
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McDonald also said his expectation was that Billie Smedts, pick No.15 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft, would remain at the Cats next season.
Smedts' name was raised in relation to Zach Tuohy's move from Carlton to Geelong.
"He's contracted and Billie needs a good run with injuries," McDonald said.
"If his body plays out favourably for him then we're hoping he'll get some good footy under his belt and he'll remain a Cat."
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Brisbane Lions small forward Josh Green has not been offered a new contract and McDonald hopes his client can find a new home.
Green managed just 11 senior games in 2016 with a lingering foot injury restricting his impact.
"This could be one that falls out at the other end as far as list lodgment No.1 goes on October 31," McDonald said.
"Everything points to Josh having a lot to offer a club. Whether it's Brisbane, they're going to be tight with spots, but that'll be one we address post the trade period."
McDonald also said:
- West Coast youngster Tom Lamb would stay at West Coast in 2017
- Matt Dea would likely be signed as a delisted free agent by the Bombers after the first list lodgment on October 31
- Josh Cowan would stay at Geelong in 2017, despite some opposition interest.
