GEELONG president Frank Costa believes Cameron Ling should be the club's next captain once Tom Harley decides to call it a day.

Costa, speaking at Melbourne's season launch at the MCG on Friday, along with fellow president Jim Stynes (Melbourne), Eddie McGuire (Collingwood) and Jeff Kennett (Hawthorn), said he believed Ling had the qualities to step-up when the time comes.

The considerable brains trust of top men from Melbourne clubs held an entertaining forum at the launch as they candidly answered questions from reporters.

Costa also mentioned another Geelong captain waiting in the wings once Ling hands on the baton.

"I'd say when Tom Harley finishes … because Joel Selwood is only 20 – he's so young – I reckon Cameron Ling is a great candidate. He's a natural leader on the field. And then [long-term] I think Joel Selwood will be a lay-down misere," Costa said.

Meanwhile, Costa believes 2007 premiership coach Mark Thompson will only coach Geelong and never another AFL club.

Costa is adamant Thompson wants to enter the property development industry once he finishes with the Cats.

"When he's had enough at Geelong – that'll be his time in coaching and I believe that," he said.

Costa also believes Gary Ablett Jnr is right on the verge of being equal to his father as a player. 

"They're both extremely good footballers," Costa said.

"One was explosive … and the other one is very, very consistent, who plays 22 games a year. I think he's [Gary Ablett Jnr] getting very close."