Like everyone else in the AFL, Geelong captain Cameron Ling wants to know whether Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood will stay with the Cats.

But Ling already knows one thing for sure about his star teammates - while they make up their minds, Ablett and Selwood will not let the massive decision affect their on-field form.

Ablett is Gold Coast's No.1 recruiting target and Selwood also comes out of contract at the end of this year.

The pair were outstanding in Friday night's round-one win over Essendon, with Selwood best afield and Ablett amassing 37 disposals.

"They're completely focussed on this year and on each week, they're driven," Ling said of Ablett and Selwood.

"They're pushing as hard as everyone else, every person at Geelong (wants) to keep getting more success because that's all we really want, we want that sustained success.

"Gaz, Joel, whoever it is, they're doing a terrific job at pushing each other, challenging each other to get better and better."

Ling laughed when told that defender Harry Taylor had declared over the weekend that he would take a pay cut to help keep Ablett at Geelong.

"Harry must be doing alright then ... that's good to hear," Ling said.

The Cats had a scrappy win over the Bombers and it was a physical game, with Geelong welcoming the nine-day break before the Easter Monday clash against Hawthorn.

The Hawks are widely-tipped to improve dramatically this year and Ling expects a big test.

"They're back, they're hungry, they're looking really fit, so it will be a tough one on Monday," Ling said.

"The MCG, Easter Monday, it should be a really big crowd."

In the meantime, Ling will also keep a close eye on the iconic Bells Beach world surfing tour event this week, only a few kilometres from Geelong.

The Cats skipper has surfed for about eight years and was at Bells on Monday morning for a promotion with reigning world champion Stephanie Gilmore.

He describes his ability as "terrible", but relishes any chance to spend time on the water.

"I always try to find a couple of hours a week to have a surf - first of all, I love it, that's the main thing," Ling said.

"I also reckon it's great for the body, you see blokes doing recovery and standing in the ocean for 10 minutes is good for you.

"Well, getting out there for one or two hours and moving around, it's got to be very good for you.

"It's also good mentally, just to get away from footy and chill out a bit, relax, not think about 'did we win or lose on the weekend, how did I play, how's everything going?'"

Ling captained Geelong officially for the first time on Friday night and he had an intriguing duel with Jobe Watson, the other new skipper this season.

Ling had 12 touches to Watson's two in the first term, but the Bombers captain had greater impact as the game continued.

"He's going to be a very good captain and they're just going to keep improving," Ling said of Watson.

"They showed on Friday night they've improved again from last year."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP