DANIEL Menzel's immediate future at Geelong is expected to be confirmed within the next week, but Tom Ruggles will have to wait before he learns if he's a required player in 2018.

Menzel, 26, tested the waters via his unrestricted free agency status in the recent player movement period, but failed to find any suitors.

The 60-game forward and his management passed up a two-year extension earlier this year, in the hope his form would influence a more lucrative arrangement.

He has since been offered a one-year extension, which AFL.com.au understands will be signed in the next week.

Menzel kicked 40 goals in 19 games this season, but was dropped for the first final despite entering the game as the Cats' equal second-highest goal-kicker in 2017.

He returned to face Sydney and booted two goals as the Cats powered into the preliminary final, which they lost to Adelaide.

Menzel's tortuous AFL history is well documented, with the South Australian undergoing four knee reconstructions between 2011 and 2013 before a persistent battle with tendinitis as he started playing again.

Meanwhile, Ruggles' future at Geelong remains uncertain with the Cats still working through their list management.

The 25-year-old, who has played 22 AFL games but managed only four this year before being edged out of the team by Jed Bews and Tom Stewart, doesn't have a deal for 2018.

Talks with his manager about an extension were shelved mid-season after he needed surgery to repair a shoulder/collarbone injury, which kept him out for six weeks.

He is yet to be delisted, but hasn't been guaranteed a spot on the list for next season either.

To date, the Cats have only delisted injury-prone forward Josh Cowan, while they traded Darcy Lang to Geelong last week.

Steven Motlop found a new home at Port Adelaide via free agency, while Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie have retired.

Gary Ablett will line up in the hoops next season, after being traded from Gold Coast back to Geelong after seven years as a Sun.

Defender Tom Ruggles remains without a contract for 2018. Picture: AFL Photos



