Geelong ball-magnet Cam Guthrie remains out of contract and eligible for unrestricted free agency at year’s end.
A key cog in Geelong’s star-studded midfield, Guthrie has elevated his game to another level coming off an All-Australian year in 2020.
The Cats’ reigning best and fairest winner continued his ultra-consistent season in Saturday’s 20-point win over North Melbourne, collecting 29 disposals and kicking two goals.
Kane Cornes is intrigued by the 28-year-old’s contract status and wonders whether Geelong’s salary cap is starting to tighten.
“Best and fairest in a side that made the Grand Final last year and an All-Australian,” Cornes told AFL Media’s The Round So Far.
“Unrestricted free agent, so let’s watch this with real interest.
“We’re up to Round 21 and their reigning best and fairest winner – who is their second-best midfielder behind Patrick Dangerfield – is out of contract.
“There’s a squeeze on because they paid (Jeremy) Cameron a whole heap of money, Dangerfield’s not cheap, (Tom) Hawkins, Joel Selwood and Tom Stewart and others aren’t either – how do they fit him in?
“Whichever way, he’s in for a massive pay rise and he deserves every cent.”
Cam’s younger brother Zach Guthrie was also impressive against the Kangaroos, finishing with a season-high 28 touches and 13 marks.
“It’s the best game I’ve seen Zach play – a career-best game. It’s a credit to him because he wasn’t selected in the team,” Cornes said.
“He was so strong in the air. I hadn’t seen that from him so far throughout his career.”
Guthrie, 23, is also coming out of contract.