GEELONG has delisted defender Tom Ruggles and utility Matthew Hayball ahead of the upcoming drafts. 

But the Cats have committed to redrafting yet-to-debut Hayball as a rookie if he is not picked up by a rival club.

Meanwhile, four rookies will be retained for 2018, with Zach Guthrie, Sam Simpson, Jamaine Jones and Jack Henry handed fresh deals.

It also appears James Parsons, who has been a rookie for the past two seasons, will be upgraded to the senior list after booting 14 goals from 20 games this year.

Ruggles made an immediate impression at the Cats after playing 18 games in his debut season coming off the rookie list.

The 25-year-old backman was upgraded to the main list this year and appeared in the opening four games of the season, but wasn't seen at AFL level again.

Hayball was the last player picked in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft, at No.70 overall, and has spent the past two seasons developing in the VFL, booting 11 goals in 15 appearances this year.

Check out all the retirements and delistings

"We would like to thank Tom for his efforts over the past two years," Geelong’s general manager of football Simon Lloyd said.

"He has been a hard worker and popular member of our team.

"We also thank Matthew for working with us around our list management and expect him to return to the club on the rookie list."

Guthrie made his debut in round 15 against the Giants and the lightly-framed youngster managed nine games, including the qualifying and semi-finals, in his first season.

Simpson, the son of former Cat Sean, also debuted against Greater Western Sydney and kicked two goals in his five matches.

Jones and Henry played the year at VFL level. Henry was promoted from the rookie list last in the season as injury cover, and was named as emergency once.

"In retaining the four rookies, all four players have demonstrated an ability to progress their careers," Lloyd said.

"Sam and Zach earned spots in our team late in the season, and Jack was an emergency and close to selection.

"Jamaine improved markedly from the start of the year. We believe they will continue to improve and push for selection."

The Cats have now made seven list changes after delisting Josh Cowan, trading Darcy Lang to Carlton, seeing Steven Motlop depart to the Power via free agency, and sending off retirees Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie.