THE CATS expect Gary Ablett to make a decision on his future by the end of this week and have conceded they are up against it to retain the star midfielder.

Ablett has a multi-million dollar offer from the Gold Coast Suns, who have made no secret of their desire to land the Brownlow Medallist as their marquee player for their inaugural AFL season next year.

The 26-year-old, who is reportedly holidaying in Queensland, is yet to inform Geelong of the direction he'll take.

"We're not sure. We don't know. Don't read into that as we think he'll go," chief executive Brian Cook said on Tuesday.

"I hope he stays, really hope he stays [but] I think the odds are against us because we can't go anywhere near of matching the offer of the Gold Coast.

"We're hoping he'll stay for other reasons."

On Tuesday, the club announced coach Mark Thompson was taking time to consider whether he would fulfil the final year of his contract.

Thompson is suffering from exhaustion and has rejected advances to join premiership teammate James Hird at Windy Hill.

Cook said the club had met with Ablett's manager Liam Pickering on Tuesday, and didn't know if Thompson's uncertainty would have any bearing on the Brownlow Medallist.

"[Pickering] is indicating Gary will make a decision by the end of the week," he said.

"I've got a feeling he (Ablett) has probably made his decision. Whether [this] will have an effect on that decision, I can't answer."

Cook said he was confident the club could cope with the departure of Thompson, Ablett and outgoing president Frank Costa, if it came to that.

"The world goes around. We were in a much worse position 11 years ago when Gary Ayres left us, Leigh Colbert left us and we were $10 million down," he said.

"This club has some strength. Whatever happens, we'll get through it.

"We'll get some good people around and continue to strengthen the pillars of this footy club. It'll be OK."

He also said the club would support whatever decision Thompson made.

"He was very, very tired. Very down. Quite burnt out, I think," Cook said of Thompson's demeanour on Tuesday.

"I was a little bit worried about him. I still am.

"We told him to go and speak to his family and friends, seek assistance as [he] needs it. We're here to help; anything we can do we'll help with."