RETIRED premiership hero Joel Corey says Geelong has still got the talent on its list to challenge in 2014, with the club's young crop set to stamp itself on the AFL next season.
Corey, who was a key player in the 2007, 2009 and 2011 premiership teams, announced his retirement on Wednesday after 276 games and with a winning percentage of 66.
He joined fellow veterans Paul Chapman, James Podsiadly and Josh Hunt in leaving the Cats, who have been proactive in renewing their list throughout a successful era.
Corey said the next generation of Cats were poised to make an impact at AFL level when opportunities presented themselves.
"I think there are eight or 10 players in the VFL team this year that could have been playing AFL football (already)," Corey told Gillette AFL Trade Radio on Friday.
"They just need a chance and these blokes when they get a chance, they never disappoint."
Corey, who played 22 games in 2013, said he didn't give much consideration to playing on next season after speaking to the club about his own situation and where the Cats were heading.
"We were both pretty open and honest about what we wanted, and it was a pretty easy decision in the end," he said.
"I'll sit back now and watch the younger boys kick on and come through.
"I was out of contract at the end of the year, so I was realistic on what could happen.
"Once the prelim final all happened I wanted to settle down a little bit and take that emotion out of it."
Corey said he was keen to stay involved in football. He said he was proud to be a part of a Geelong team that made financial sacrifices to stay together and win premierships.
"I think it says something about the club," he said.
"We put a lot of time into our players and try to push the fact that there is more to footy than a dollars symbol.
"The Geelong Football Club certainly looks after their players and I had no problem staying there and being looked after the way I was, rather than leaving."
Premiership teammate Chapman is looking to continue his career elsewhere, and Corey said he would back the 31-year-old to deliver at a new club.
"I never go against what 'Chappy' says because over the years he has just kept producing," he said.
"He's one guy I'll be watching with interest and I hope he finds a new club because I think he has a bit to offer."
