As Geelong plots a revamp of their playing list, premiership skipper Cameron Ling admits they shape as one of the more uncertain yet intriguing teams of 2016.
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The Cats appear certain to secure Patrick Dangerfield from Adelaide, with the two parties working through a trade, while former Carlton utility Lachie Henderson is also expected to land at Simonds Stadium via a trade. West Coast Eagles' midfielder Scott Selwood, the brother of Cats' captain, Joel, has already exercised his free agency rights and nominated the Cats as his club of choice.
Provided those three are signed, the Cats are expected to not only vault into finals contention – having missed the top eight for the first time this season since 2006 – but again be a top-four threat.
However, Ling says that could also be dependent on the development of the club's emerging talent, such as Darcy Lang and Nakia Cockatoo, while it remains to be seen if forward-ruckman Mitch Clark can overcome injury amid his mental health issues.
"There are a lot of 'what ifs' at the moment. You think if they added a little bit of high quality like those guys (Dangerfield and Henderson), and another what if is Daniel Menzel and Nathan Vardy and how their bodies hold up, and whether they can reach their potential. If Mitch Clark is OK, there is potential for a lot of positives.
"I think they showed this year, even with a few things going against them, that they were very competitive for a whole season and nearly snuck into the finals. You add those extra elements of players, and the whole group looks to improve again, you hope they are playing finals again, but the whole competition improves again as well."
Dangerfield has been the Cats' key target, for he is a proven superstar who will re-ignite their midfield, while also being a dynamic option inside attacking 50. The Cats have offered him about $800,000 a season over six years, and Dangerfield wants to be near his hometown of Moggs Creek.
Dangerfield's manager Paul Connors has said a trade, rather than turning to free agency compensation for the Crows, will almost certainly be the best route for the two clubs. For this to be done, the Cats are set to offer first-and-second round draft picks, although a player could yet be involved.
"He (Dangerfield) is a great player. He brings absolute quality whatever team he goes to. He is that rare combination of contested ball winner but also explosive out of the contest," Ling said.
"He is a great guy too – I am a big fan of him as a bloke. He would help bring along those young guys as well and raise the standard, just through how professional he is. He is pure quality."
