NATHAN Ablett was one of four Geelong players delisted by the club yesterday as it looks to regroup and inject new blood into the playing list ahead of next season.

Ablett played 32 games for the Cats and was part of the 2007 premiership team before telling the club he needed time away this year to consider his future.

After citing a lack of motivation, the son of Cats legend Gary Ablett and brother of midfielder Gary Ablett did not play this season.

The 22-year-old returned to training with Geelong's VFL team in July, but has since told club officials he has no desire to continue his football career.

Football manager Neil Balme said yesterday's announcement formalised Ablett's decision to cut short his AFL career after the 2007 premiership. "He decided last year he didn't want to play and there's been no change to his attitude. That's his right to decide that," Balme said.

Jason Davenport and rookies Liam Bedford and Chris Kangars were also delisted. Davenport had three years at Geelong, including one as a rookie and one season on the senior list in 2008. He played two pre-season cup matches and 63 VFL games.

Bedford spent two years on the rookie list and was part of the Cats' 2007 VFL premiership team. Kangars spent one year on the rookie list and played 18 VFL games.

"Jason is likely to want to play in the AFL (next year) and probably should," Balme said. "These are the difficult times for footy clubs and he (Davenport) has been terrific.

"He was very stiff not to get a game last year, but unfortunately you've got to make room in your list every year and someone has to go.

■The Brisbane Lions have delisted Matthew Moody, a second-round pick in the 2003 national draft

■South Australian Chris Macgowan will renew his ties with Alastair Clarkson when he joins AFL premier Hawthorn as an assistant coach.

Macgowan played under Clarkson earlier this decade at SANFL club Central District.

Last month, Macgowan coached SANFL side Sturt to the preliminary final.

With AAP