• Tune in to Trade Talk for LIVE trade coverage every weekday
• Check out every confirmed move on the Trade Tracker

GEELONG forward Steven Motlop knows he must work harder this off-season after an inconsistent 2016, says teammate Tom Hawkins.

Motlop, 25, finished second in the Cats' 2015 best and fairest but he returned at the start of the last pre-season in very poor shape.

There was trade speculation surrounding Motlop following his inconsistent season but the Cats are set to keep him for 2017.

Hawkins told NAB AFL Trade Radio that Motlop was aware he needed to work really hard this summer.

"Steve would admit himself, he didn't put himself in the best position when he turned up to the start of the 2016 pre-season in bad shape," Hawkins said.

"He would admit again that he didn't have his best year of footy. He certainly played some great games, but wasn't as consistent this year.

"I think a lot of it stems from that. I think he's learned a lot about himself this year. I love playing with him. He kicked (38) goals. The year wasn't a disaster for him by any means.

"(The coaches) would've been pretty strong on him as we have been as a playing group, because we were really disappointed with how he turned up.

"I would say he's had some pretty honest conversations. I know from speaking to him over the break he's certainly been training and he's looking forward to playing next year."

Hawkins also said star Jimmy Bartel was still undecided on his playing future.

Bartel, 32, is contracted to play with the Cats in 2017 but there has been much speculation surrounding his future.

"I think he's undecided, personally," Hawkins said.

"I haven't seen Jimmy since best and fairest night.

"I know that he's having a bit of time. He's thinking about what he wants to do. He's 32. So he's got a decision to make.

"Obviously I'd love to play with him if he plays on but if he decides enough is enough he's certainly going to go down as one of the best players I've played with."

The Cats have significant interest in Richmond star Brett Deledio and Carlton defender Zach Tuohy but no deals have been done.

Hawkins said he had no insight on whether the pair would find their way to the Cats, but he thought both players would be significant additions.

"(Deledio) is a great player," Hawkins said.

"I've loved watching him play. Certainly as a permanent forward that can play in the midfield at times he's an exciting prospect. I'm not exactly sure where that's at and how interested the football club are.

"I like the way Zach plays. He's got a lot of attacking flair but also can shut down. He's strong. He's mid-size. I would say he can be quite flexible as a defender. Again he would be a handy acquisition into our side.

"With Corey Enright going out, having an All Australian year this year, it will probably leave a little bit of a gap in our side."

Hawkins has had post-season knee surgery but says it won't affect his pre-season too much.

Hawkins had arthroscopic surgery on his right knee to repair a minor issue with his meniscus.

He is on crutches and might have a slower start to the pre-season.