Cats told to prioritise Blakey, leaving Saints star in limbo
A roster shift at the Cats and Essendon has been completed with players and picks moving between both clubs as Geelong ponders more moves for Nick Blakey and Rowan Marshall.
However, the pursuit of Blakey could mean a move for Marshall may become difficult as the Cats weigh up how to balance their list.
Nick Blakey. Getty Images
Defender Jordan Ridley will head to Geelong while Jack Bowes moves the other way. The Bombers will also receive a 2027 first-round pick and future second-round selection. Geelong now has pick 60 from the Bombers and a 2028 fourth-rounder.
Ridley was the 2020 best and fairest at the Bombers but only played seven matches this year after a difficult few seasons with injury.
“We’re excited to welcome Jordan to the Geelong Football Club,” Cats general manager Andrew Mackie said.
“Jordan is a quality player who boasts experience and will be a great addition to our backline group. We’re looking forward to seeing what Jordan can bring to the club in the future.”
Ridley will join Toby Greene as new arrivals at the club.
Essendon’s list boss Matt Rosa explained the decision to let Ridley leave came down to a desire to bring in picks and combine them with experienced players like Bowes.
“Jordan and his management came to us about the opportunity at Geelong. He’s contracted until the end of 2029, so we were only ever going to do a deal that was right for Essendon, and we’ve worked through it with Geelong to get an outcome that suits everyone,” he said.
“Jack has played 152 games, been part of two deep finals campaigns with Geelong and played in a grand final. He gives us another experienced body through the midfield to support our young group, and he’s someone who really wanted to come to the Bombers.
“We’re in a phase where bringing in young talent is the priority. We hold pick No.1, 15, 19 and 25 in a draft we love this year, and adding Geelong’s first-round pick means we’ll have two first-round selections next year as well. Combined with experienced players like Jack, it puts us in a strong position to keep building a great Essendon team.”
The Cats are in the market for more talent with Swans star Blakey reportedly seeking a trade to the club.
Blakey was one of five players suspended by Sydney late in the season.
AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey reports a friendship with Geelong star Bailey Smith could help Blakey land at the club.
Marshall’s future is also in limbo as he seeks an exit from St Kilda. The ruckman signed a five-year extension in 2022 but has grown frustrated with Tom De Koning taking over his spot this year.
However, the reported availability of Blakey means Geelong needs to manage its priorities.
Cats forward Gryan Miers was expected to leave the club for West Coast but manager Liam Pickering declared on AFL trade radio that his client would not be leaving Geelong.
On 3AW’s The Trade Off podcast, Matthew Lloyd told the Cats to focus on Blakey.
“Ruckmen are the types you can find, so I would prioritise Blakey,” he said.
“I’ve been smashing Geelong for a while that they’ve maybe cost themselves a premiership by not having a ruckman ... but ruckman change that often.
“Obviously you’re pivoting away from one of the best ruckmen in the competition in Rowan Marshall but if Blakey’s there, that’s who you prioritise.”
