GEELONG skipper Joel Selwood says he doesn't think the Cats would compromise their approach to player payments to attract a star free agent such as Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield.
Dangerfield, 24, becomes a free agent at the end of 2015 and industry speculation has linked him closely to the Cats as he contemplates whether to remain with Adelaide or return to Victoria where he grew up.
However Selwood said he could not imagine Geelong changing its system that maintains rewards for those who have performed for the club over a period of time in order to land the player.
"I wouldn't think they would do that. I think they would stay pretty strong to what they believe in and what they have done in the past," Selwood said.
Selwood said while the club should go after the best players it could, it should never be at the expense of systems that have served them so well during this era.
He said the players had not been asked about Dangerfield and although they have been consulted on such issues from time to time in the past, such decisions were for the match committee and recruiters.
Selwood, who was promoting this year's Melbourne Grand Prix as an official ambassador of the event, said he felt sympathy for Dangerfield given that the season was yet to start and already questions were being asked about where he would play next season.
"The poor kid. He's one of a number who will get these same questions all throughout the year," Selwood said.
"Free agency brings that. It's a great thing from a players' point of view to get to a club that you want to play at, but these questions are probably better directed at Paddy and other people that are involved."
The other big name free agent this season is Selwood’s teammate Tom Hawkins. However Hawkins indicated to AFL.com.au last week he was keen to stay at the club where he has played a pivotal role in two flags.
Selwood, who arrived back with Hawkins from the Gatorade Sports Science Institute in Florida on Tuesday morning, said the big forward was a key part of the club.
"He's a Geelong person through and through," Selwood said.
