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TRIPLE premiership star Paul Chapman is set to explore opportunities at rival clubs after Geelong today informed the forward his services are no longer required.
Chapman, who starred in the Cats semi-final win over Port Adelaide with four goals, had a tough 2013 campaign hampered by hamstring problems.
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Cats coach Chris Scott said Chapman would go down as a legend of the club.
"Paul's record speaks for itself, but it doesn't show the fierce competitor and the determination to succeed that he has displayed every day," Scott told the club's website.
"He has decided that he would like to extend his career and we wish him well. No doubt he will bring his passion whenever he plays against us, as he should. Regardless of where he goes from he, he will always be remembered as a Geelong icon."
Chapman played 251 games for Geelong kicking 336 goals. He was twice named All Australian and won the club's best and fairest in 2006.
Meanwhile, veteran Cat James Podsiadly says he is exploring his playing options after being told by Geelong he won't be offered a contract for next season.
The Cats are leaning towards a new start without the 32-year-old or Paul Chapman.
Chapman has been told by the club he is not likely to be handed another contract, and mature-aged recruit Podsiadly is now an unrestricted free agent.
"I'll be forever grateful for the opportunity Geelong gave me to play at the elite level and to be a part of the ultimate success as a player is something I'll never forget," Podsiadly said.
"Geelong has developed some fantastic young players who now deserve the opportunity to take the club forward. I would like to wish the next generation all the best and I hope they all have as much fun playing for the Cats as I did.
"Going forward I'm currently exploring further playing opportunities. I will always appreciate how the Geelong members, supporters and staff embraced me from day one. Thank you for making Geelong FC feel like home."
Geelong coach Chris Scott paid tribute to Podsiadly's contribution.
"James has indicated that he may look to extend his career, and if he chooses to do so we wish him well. Regardless of where the future takes him, Podsy will always be a Geelong person and will hold a special place with his teammates, coaches, staff and supporters."
Podsiadly kicked three goals in the qualifying final against Fremantle and a solid 32.18 for the season but did not score in the semi-final or preliminary final.
The Cats seem keen to play VFL revelation Shane Kersten as a mid-sized forward, and will push Nathan Vardy into the forward line if Dawson Simpson stands up as a ruckman.
The Geelong list management group is closely scrutinising the decision on its veterans, after coach Chris Scott foreshadowed a more aggressive list transition after the preliminary final loss to Hawthorn.
The Cats are still awaiting medical judgment on the future of Tom Hawkins, aware he might need back surgery which could keep him out of the early rounds of next year.
They are yet to make a decision on that surgery, hopeful rest might allow him to recover more quickly.
But there is a concession that Hawkins will have to careful manage the degenerative condition for the rest of his career.
Josh Hunt has already retired, and is keen to play on at a rival club, while Corey Enright is expected to play on.
Midfield star Joel Corey is another who could be nudged into retirement.
The future of Trent West is unclear given he signed a two-season deal last year but played just 13 games, only two after Round 11.
Scott spoke after the Grand Final of respecting the team's veterans and making a decision on their futures with their input.
But there is no doubt the Cats will look ahead to what their team looks like in 2015 and 2016 as they make tough decision on loyal players.
"With our senior players I think everyone is acutely aware of our desire to gradually transition our list over the last couple of years and that will accelerate over the next year or two probably," Scott said.
"We saw six or seven sides finish outside the eight that are going to be extremely competitive next year so if we don't improve and our young players don't show the sort of commitment our senior players have shown, we will slip very quickly."
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