GEELONG coach Chris Scott is confident unsigned free agents Dan Menzel and Steven Motlop will stay focused on the Cats' premiership campaign, despite the uncertainty surrounding their futures.
Both players are out of contract but remain key players if the Cats are to win the flag in 2017.
Scott said it was important everyone stayed on track for the remainder of the season.
"For Dan and Steven, in particular, I'm sure their focus is on 2017, not 2018 and '19," Scott said.
"I am confident they are focused on the priorities right at the moment."
Scott said on Thursday the club had tabled a two-year contract early in the season for Menzel, but talks had been put on hold, with Cats football manager Steve Hocking telling K-Rock on Saturday that Menzel's management had indicated a preference for a one-year deal.
Motlop has been consistent all year that he is happy to wait until the end of the season to discuss his future.
However, Cats CEO Brian Cook surprised observers when he told ABC Radio ahead of the round 21 clash against Richmond that the club was open to the prospect of being without Motlop in 2018.
Motlop showed his value just hours after that interview with an outstanding game against the Tigers.
However, Menzel's manager says it is probable Geelong has not offered the crafty forward a contract because of Gary Ablett's desire to return to the Cattery.
Menzel, who is an unrestricted free agent, is out of contract and keen to secure a longer-team deal after signing a series of one-year contracts.
His manager, Adam Ramanauskas, said the 25-year-old wanted to stay with Geelong.
Asked if Ablett and his possible return to Geelong was playing a part in the Cats' decision to delay contract negotiations with his client, Ramanauskas said: "probably".
"His one-year contracts have all been signed after the season. Would Daniel like a contract from Geelong in front of him now? Absolutely," Ramanauskas told RSN.
"He wants a longer-term contract, there's no doubt about that.
"But there's been no offer from Geelong … it's round 23. How often would that happen?
"It's happening more than it would have in the past because of what clubs are trying to do now in free agency and at the trade table."
Menzel has kicked 69 goals across the past two seasons in a triumphant return from four knee reconstructions.
Geelong coach Chris Scott has said he would "love to see" Ablett return to the Cats, but it was unlikely as there were "too many obstacles for it to happen".
Ablett has conceded he may walk away from the game after this season if he was unable to return to his home state.
The Cats, who are yet to offer forward Steven Motlop a new contract, have also been linked to Greater Western Sydney pair Devon Smith and Jacob Hopper.
