GEELONG veteran Jimmy Bartel hasn’t ruled out retirement and will make a decision on his future in the next few weeks after meeting with coach Chris Scott. 

Bartel activated a trigger in his contract that gave him the option of playing on but faces the possibility of spending time in the VFL. 

"It seems a long way away at the moment. I've got to catch up with the coaches and have a good chat about footy," Bartel said. 

"It's (retirement) always a thought, once you get to my stage of my career but I haven't formed an opinion or made a decision. I'm just waiting to have a chat with Chris Scott and the guys." 

The 32-year-old's form wavered towards the end of the season and speculation mounted that he could be dropped for the Cats' preliminary final, which they subsequently lost to the Swans. 

"(The discussion will happen) in the coming weeks. There's no rush (since) there's no football on now. A lot of people are on holidays," he said.

Bartel spoke at a charity event where the substantial beard he grew to raise awareness for domestic violence was finally shaved off. 

The 2007 Brownlow medallist is not the only Cat with queries over his future. Corey Enright remains undecided about whether he wants to play on.

The backman was in tears as the side walked off the ground following its preliminary final loss after a season in which he won his sixth All Australian selection.

Cats superstar Patrick Dangerfield believes the beardless Bartel should play on.

"He looks like he's 25 (after shaving his beard) … so he certainly could," Dangerfield said.