Cats footy boss Mackie on Oliver meeting, Smith trade and putting De Koning rumours to bed

Geelong General Manager of Football Andrew Mackie has answered several burning questions surrounding his club this trade period.

The Cats are set to be one of the busiest clubs over the off-season period and Mackie answered questions on Clayton Oliver after his meeting with the club last week, Western Bulldogs midfielder Bailey Smith who has requested a move to the Cattery, delisted free agent Jack Martin and more.

On the meeting with Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver and if the club will pursue a trade

“Without going into too much detail on it, I think that Clayton's management was aware that it might be in his best interest to maybe have a conversation,” Mackie told AFL Trade Radio.

“But it was pretty brief, to be honest. We met with him last Tuesday and it is always time well spent.

“But as far as we're concerned, Melbourne has come out and had their stance on it and we're respectful of that.

“He's got six years to go on a contract. So, from our end, it was fleeting.

“Like I said, we're really respectful of that of Melbourne and their stance. He's a Melbourne player.

“When he was up for a catch-up, of course, we would oblige and meet Clayton, so we did that.

“But over the weekend Melbourne has come out and said what they have, so let's put it to bed.”

On bringing Bailey Smith to the club via trade

“We've had a couple of chats with (Bulldogs list boss) Sam Power and there’s good intent from both parties.

“It’s great that Bailey does want to come and play for us, so that’s exciting.

“Our intention is to trade him in and put him in the hoops.

“He's out of contract and obviously had the ACL throughout the year.

“Interesting times, but hopefully it all ends well for both clubs.”

On the club’s first-round pick moving from 15 to 17 after free agency compensation

“It (the compensation) felt generous with a couple of those guys (Josh Battle and Harry Perryman).

“By definition, it means they’re in the top five per cent paid players in the comp - that's what gets you tier one or band one which lands in there.

“I think there are ways where you can quarantine the first round in compensation.

“So, there's a bit of work through there and (St Kilda President) Andrew Bassat would be feeling pretty good about things.”

On bringing in Jack Martin as a delisted free agent

“We see a really talented player like everyone else.

“He just hasn't been able to get a run at it. We'll look at lots of ways to explore to get him playing his best footy.

“But it's exciting because he gives flexibility to us. If it works out, he’s in a really good age demographic and he’s a quality person to come in.

“The thought of it working is really enticing and good for us.”

On where things sit in contract talks with Patrick Dangerfield

“It'll be fine.

“I could imagine it being a five-second conversation and that'll get done.

“Pat knows that. He'll be around next year.”

On whether Sam De Koning is off the table in trade talks

“Yeah, definitely.

“Sam's going to be around our footy club for the next hopefully 10 to 15 years.

“To his credit, he's ready to go for next year, he's in a great frame of mind and he’s ready to get into it.

“He knows what his best footy looks like and our job is to really support that and bring that to life.

“We’re really excited about the prospect of Sam's next journey with us.

“I know he is too.”