GEELONG veteran Jimmy Bartel expects to be given an answer on his immediate future "in the not-too-distant future", but would love to play on in 2016. 

After a brilliant 41-disposal comeback performance against North Melbourne last Saturday night, Bartel told AFL.com.au his absence through injury had freshened him up, and ensured he took nothing for granted.

"[I] really discovered that extra bit of passion to get back out there," Bartel said.

"I was just itching to get back out on the field."

Before his senior return, Bartel played a VFL game for the Cats against the Casey Scorpions.

He says the experience gave him an insight into the quality of the youngsters beginning to push for senior selection at Geelong. 

"There is a huge amount of potential there, and the guys are really hungry to make their own imprint," Bartel said. 

"I'm certainly excited more in the character of the sort of blokes we've got coming through, but obviously they have got some great ability as well."

The 31-year-old said the young players at Geelong don't want to be handed games because of their youth and want to earn their place because of form, which will stand them in good stead when selected.

Players such as Jarrad Jansen, Dean Gore, Jake Kolodjashnij, Nakia Cockatoo and Michael Luxford have either experienced senior football or been on the fringe of selection, while Darcy Lang, Jed Bews and Cory Gregson have become permanent members of the senior team.

"I don't think they want to be handed games. They want to earn them and feel they belong at AFL level because they got there on good form," Bartel said. 

Geelong's transition phase has gathered momentum this season as the team battles to keep pace with the top teams in the competition.

Bartel is adamant that finals remains on the agenda for 2015, and that the quickest way to develop youngsters is to remain competitive against the best teams. 

"We're still super competitive, and the best way to fast-track players' development is getting into finals, playing against really good sides and playing a good brand of footy," he said.