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BROWNLOW medallist and triple Geelong premiership midfielder Jimmy Bartel would entertain the conversation – however unlikely – if a club asked him to come out of retirement.

Bartel, who turns 34 in December, reluctantly retired after the 2016 season despite reaching a trigger clause in his contract that would have enabled him to play on this year.

The Cats refused to guarantee Bartel a regular AFL game if he did continue and he eventually announced his retirement after 15 seasons and 305 matches.

"I think you'd have to have the conversation," Bartel told RSN.

"I'm a footballer first and competitive by nature and that's probably been the toughest thing for me this year … trying to find something to get that competitive itch scratched.

"I think you have to have the conversation, don't you? If you're a footballer for 15 years, I think you do. That doesn't mean you're going to say 'Yes', but what's the harm in talking to people?"

Bartel's comments came in the context of Hawthorn champion Luke Hodge's decision to postpone retirement and head to the Brisbane Lions.

Hodge continues a trend in recent years of players going elsewhere in their football twilight, following fellow ex-Hawks Sam Mitchell (West Coast) and Jordan Lewis (Melbourne) and former Cats Steve Johnson (GWS) and James Kelly (Essendon).

Bartel said there were benefits for both parties in a veteran footballer extending their career at another club.

"Previously, until these guys did it, I think everyone goes 'You ruin your legacy' and all that, but I think people understand the bigger picture now," Bartel said.

"I still think of Sam Mitchell as a Hawthorn legend, I still think of Luke Hodge as a Hawthorn legend and (Jordan) Lewis as well.

"(Also) Stevie J and James Kelly, his last two years were brilliant at Essendon, but I still remember first and foremost James Kelly, triple premiership player at the Cats.

"I just think, 'He's gone and he's actually helped a footy club'."

Bartel said these types of moves were also about players considering their post-football life.

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