The message was simple from Geelong coach Mark Thompson after the Gold Coast missed out on classy Cats midfielder Joel Selwood's signature - get used to it.

In a sobering thought for the new AFL franchise, Thompson predicted the Gold Coast would miss out on prized signatures more often than not as they count down to their much hyped 2011 debut.

Thompson couldn't hide his delight ahead of Saturday night's clash with Brisbane Lions at the Gabba after Selwood agreed to terms to a new contract with the reigning premiers.

Indeed Thompson had much to smile about on Friday, also predicting a massive game from Mathew Stokes against the Lions - his first match back from a club-imposed ban following drug charges.

But Thompson's sights were mainly on the Gold Coast after their bid to poach not only Selwood but their Brownlow Medallist Gary Ablett.

Selwood is the latest to knock back overtures from the tourist strip, joining the likes of Western Bulldogs' Adam Cooney, Essendon skipper Jobe Watson and Gold Coast-bred Nick Riewoldt of St Kilda.

Thompson clearly revelled in Selwood's commitment in light of expected raids from not only the Gold Coast but fellow AFL newcomers Team GWS.

"Most good players that Gold Coast have gone after have decided to stay at their own clubs - so I think that will be the trend," Thompson said.

"There's a big raid on all of our good players so I think most clubs now are trying desperately to sign players and I think that most clubs are doing it pretty well.

"I don't agree with the fact that we should help these other clubs (Gold Coast, Team GWS) by giving them our good players, I really don't.

"And I'm just thankful that our club has worked hard and Joel has decided that he'll probably play for Geelong for a lot less money.

"It shows the character of the man, too."

While Thompson admitted he had "no idea" of the status of Ablett's contract talks, he seemed confident of retaining the Geelong talisman following Selwood's news.

"My fingers are crossed," he said.

In all, it has been a good news week for Geelong following the AFL return of Stokes.

Thompson boldly claimed that Stokes would make up for lost time against the Lions after emerging from his club-imposed ban.

"He has done everything he possibly can. We basically said to him that we are going to support him and if he is in good enough form that he will come back into the side - and he's done that.

"He is really fit, I think he will be a really important player tomorrow - he will play well.

"He has played enough footy and he is just so keen, he should be a very inclusion tomorrow night."

Thompson said Stokes' AFL return also reflected well on the inner strength of their club.

"We have been a good footy club for a while now but even at the best football clubs...there are always people who break the rules and get into trouble," he said.

"But the mechanisms of a good club are one of support so we supported him and hopefully we get the result from being there for him.

"He has been playing terrific footy in the VFL - he deserves his spot in the team."

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