GEELONG has decided against nominating key forward Jordon Bourke, the son of former Cats captain Damian, under the father-son bidding system.

Bourke, a 17-year-old tall forward, said he's disappointed in the Cats' decision, but he's looking forward to pushing his claims with other clubs during the NAB AFL Draft Combine, which is being held at Etihad Stadium this week.

"It's obviously a little bit disappointing, but I'm fine," he told The Age.

"The way I look at it, it's one door closing and others hopefully opening.

"I haven't found the key yet, but it's not the end of the world."

Bourke grew up in Queensland and qualifies as a Gold Coast zone player. The Suns can put him on their list or trade him during next week's Gillette AFL Trade Period.

The latter is considered the more likely as the Suns have a wealth of young key forwards and they must make seven changes to their list ahead of the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.

Bourke this season played for NEAFL club Morningside, the AIS-AFL Academy team, the Queensland under-18s, the Suns' reserves and the Geelong reserves.

"I prepared myself as if it wouldn't happen so I'm not going to be down in the dumps about it," he said of the Cats' decision.

"This week's pretty big, so I'd rather just be happy and do as well as I can in all the testing.

"The positive thing is that now a few clubs might hear the word that Geelong isn't taking me and show a bit more interest without the whole father-son thing in the way."

Damian Bourke had an AFL career that was blighted by knee injuries. He played 102 games with Geelong (1982-93) and 22 games with the Brisbane Bears (1993-95).

He was Geelong captain from 1987-89.

The father-son rule requires the father to have played 100 games at an AFL club.

The draft combine continues until the three-kilometre time-trial on Friday afternoon.