GEELONG has started talks to re-sign coach Chris Scott beyond 2017 and expects a new deal to be completed early next year.

Scott is nearing the end of his sixth year as Cats coach and is contracted until the end of next season.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook told K-Rock on Friday night the club would extend Scott's contract.

"We have every intention of doing that straight after Christmas. He comes out of contract at the end of next year and we've started negotiating, albeit (those talks are in their) early stages," Cook said before the second preliminary final against the Sydney Swans.

"But we'll complete that, I would hope, before the start of next year."

Scott took Geelong into the finals this year for the fifth time, having led the Cats to a premiership in 2011, his first season in charge.

Geelong missed the finals for the first time in Scott's reign last year but charged back up the ladder this season after snaring Patrick Dangerfield, Lachie Henderson, Zac Smith and Scott Selwood in last year's player exchange period.

The Cats play the Swans at the MCG on Friday night for a spot in this year's Grand Final.

Veteran Cats defender Jimmy Bartel's future has been the subject of speculation in the second half of 2016.

Bartel, who was preparing to play his 22nd game of 2016 against the Swans on Friday night, satisfied a games-based trigger clause to play on next season.

But it remains unclear whether the 32-year-old will continue in 2017 given Geelong has indicated he could have to play in the VFL at times.

Cook said Geelong had probably erred in stating publicly that Bartel's senior position could come under pressure next season.

"We probably didn't need to mention specifics, but having said that, it's never easy dealing with players who are getting to the backend of their careers, especially if they're over 30," Cook said.

"At the end of the day Jimmy has a contract next year and I will assume that he'll play next year."

Despite reports linking Geelong with free agent Daniel Wells, Cook said the Cats were not in the race for the North Melbourne speedster.