AFL trade: Geelong's Tim Kelly asks to be traded back to Western Australia

Mick Stirling

AFL trade: Geelong's Tim Kelly asks to be traded back to Western Australia image

Just one day after finishing equal second in their best and fairest, Geelong midfielder Tim Kelly has officially asked the club to seek a trade back to his native Western Australia.


Geelong however responded to Kelly's request, suggesting they may well hold him to his contract for 2019.

"Tim is under contract to the Cats for the 2019 season, and it is highly likely he will remain with the club," the statement read.

"However out of respect for Tim, we will listen to what Fremantle and West Coast are prepared to offer and determine whether or not we believe it is a viable trade for our club."

MORE: All the AFL trade news and rumours | Every club's 2018 best and fairest results

Kelly spoke about his first year at the Cattery following Thursday night's best and fairest presentation.

"I didn't exactly know where Geelong was ... but you guys made the transition really smooth," Kelly told his teammates at the Carji Greeves Medal night where he finished equal second in the count, just half a point behind winner Mark Blicavs.

"I have achieved more than anything I set out to achieve."

While Kelly didn’t say much more, Blicavs put the rumours in perspective.

"I think he's loved Geelong, he's had a great year and there's that family pull there [in Perth]," Blicavs said.

"It's his decision. If he stays, we'll be rapt, if he goes we'll support him."

Both West Coast and Fremantle are keen to get Kelly’s services should he return to WA, but while the Dockers are in a better position trade-wise, currently holding the fifth overall selection, it’s understood the 24-year-old is much keener to get to the Eagles.

If Andrew Gaff decides to return to Victoria, West Coast can expect a compensation pick at the end of the first round, probably enough to get a trade done.

Geelong's best and fairest results 2018

1. Mark Blicavs 234 votes

=2. Patrick Dangerfield 233.5

=2. Tim Kelly 233.5

4. Tom Hawkins 229

5. Joel Selwood 220.5

=6. Mitch Duncan 216

=6. Tom Stewart 216

8. Jake Kolodjashnij 203

9. Sam Menegola 200

10. Zach Tuohy 194.5

Mick Stirling