GEELONG is already in discussions with big-name players coming off contract in 2027 after missing out on Zak Butters this year, Cats football manager Andrew Mackie says

The Cats have locked away free agent Toby Greene and are in the market for Jordan Ridley and Rowan Marshall in this year's player movement window, but Mackie told Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio they already had their sights set on some superstars this time next year.

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When asked about Gold Coast free agent Matt Rowell and out-of-contract St Kilda star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mackie was categoric.

"Yeah, yeah, those talks have been happening," he said.

"I like to think that's part of what we need to be great at.

"There's lots of things that go into doing what Brisbane did on the weekend. Being proactive in this space is one of them, and continuing to be a club that hold ourselves accountable to providing an environment to our players and staff that they'd love to come and thrive.

"We want to keep giving ourselves chances to talk to these players … that's where our focus goes to."

Mackie said the Cats were "pragmatic" about missing out on Butters, denying they were unwilling to provide a suitable trade to Port Adelaide.

"From our point of view, we're really clear, and made it really clear, that we would have done whatever it took to get a trade done to Port Adelaide … within reason," he said.

"We understand the industry. We want to talk to the best players. We've got a chance to do that.

"I'm not sure about where it went wrong. Only Zak and (his manager) Peter Lenton can probably talk to that."

One player Geelong has not discussed is Sydney’s Nick Blakey, despite reports the Swan has expressed interest in moving to the Cattery.

Mackie confirmed the Cats had offered a future first-round pick for Ridley, saying they were optimistic they could reverse his wretched run of injuries.

Ridley has played just 26 games in the past three seasons.

"Sometimes with these players, you see it a bit, it might even be placebo, just a different environment (helps)," Mackie said.

"Now, there's high risk. That's why the trade value is hard in a guy like Jordan. Clearly, Essendon's seen the talent. That's why you extend a guy's contract.

"We don't sit here and say we're definitely going to get his body right, but maybe a change of environment (might help)."

St Kilda has asked for a player in return for Marshall, who the Cats are pursuing for a second straight year.

"There's work to do, but there's been good conversations about how it gets done," Mackie said of negotiations for the 30-year-old ruck.