JIMMY Bartel has dismissed calls for him to be dropped from Geelong's preliminary final team as nothing more than grabs for "a good headline".

Bartel, 32, is one of the Cats' most decorated finals players but questions are now being asked about his place in Geelong's best 22 as he nears the end of his career. 

The 2011 Norm Smith medallist played a defensive role on Hawks playmaker Josh Gibson in the Cats' thrilling two-point qualifying final win, but at times appeared susceptible to Hawthorn's fast-paced ball movement. 

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Bartel defended his form when he spoke with SEN on Thursday, saying he could not understand the fascination with his position. 

"We thought if we could give Tom Hawkins more one on ones with (James) Frawley that would help. I'll play anywhere if it means the team wins, I'll do any role that the team wants," Bartel said. 

"I just find all the noise a bit confusing, why the fascination?

"I've been doing my job all year. Sure you can pick out a game here and there where I wasn't in the best players, but I think a lot of players have years like that as well." 

Asked whether the selection speculation had begun to annoy him, Bartel said he did not feel he had to justify his spot in the Cats' team.

"I think if you look at the year in its entirety, I've been pretty good. If you just keep stats from one or two games, of course you can make them sound however you want," Bartel said.

"The club and the coaches have been really happy with me, so I'm happy. 

"But I guess it makes a good headline saying I should be dropped and all that sort of stuff. That's this time of year, there's not as many games and you've just got to create as many headlines as you can."

Bartel has missed just two games this season, the road trips to play Fremantle at Domain Stadium in round 17 and the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in round 22.