Quinton Narkle’s decision to stay at Geelong “shocked” Essendon great Matthew Lloyd.
The 23-year-old, who has played 33 games across four seasons, signed a one-year deal to remain at the Cats for 2022, orchestrated by manager Ralph Carr.
Narkle will be hoping for more opportunities next year after making 16 senior appearances this season, with seven of those as the sub.
Lloyd expected the young midfielder to seek a fresh start at a new club after being on the fringes throughout 2021.
“Every year you ask yourself, ‘how are we going to get better?’ That’s natural growth,” Lloyd told AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade.
“They’ve got Jordan Clark who is leaving. I was shocked that Narkle signed a one-year deal.
“I would have taken a three-year deal somewhere else if I was Narkle with the lack of want to play him.
“I’m really, really concerned about Geelong.”
Geelong GM of Football Simon Lloyd believes Narkle will play a “significant role” next season.
“While there has been speculation about Quinton potentially leaving, our conversations throughout the year have been extremely positive,” Lloyd said in a club statement.
“The club is excited that Quinton has committed to 2022 and we believe he will play a significant role.”
Narkle was selected by Geelong with pick No.60 in the 2016 draft.