Geelong puts huge price on Tim Kelly as WA clubs circle

Geelong has set a massive asking price for midfield star Tim Kelly, setting the stage for the biggest trade since the blockbuster deal for Chris Judd. Will the Eagles pay up?

Geelong has set one of the highest asking prices in the history of the AFL’s trade period in return for superstar midfielder Tim Kelly.

Making a strong stance on the opening day of the trade period, Cats’ list boss Stephen Wells said the club wanted more than two first-round draft picks in exchange for the superstar onballer.

Asked if the Cats would accept a pair of first-round picks for the 25-year-old, Wells said: “Tim is worth more than that”.

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Tim Kelly is a gun, but is he worth the Cats’ huge asking price? Picture: AAP

It means West Coast will have to give up the most significant trade offering since Carlton handed over pick No. 3, 20 and young key forward Josh Kennedy to land Chris Judd from the Eagles in 2007.

Brisbane also handed over pick No. 5 and 25 and Jack Crisp to Collingwood in a monster swap for Dayne Beams in 2014.

The Eagles have picks No. 14, 23, and 32, and yesterday admitted they have also discussed off-loading a future pick for Kelly, who finished fifth in this year’s Brownlow Medal.

West Coast football operations boss Craig Vozzo yesterday confirmed the Cats wanted as many as three early selections for Kelly.

It means the Eagles will have to give up more than what Essendon paid for Dylan Shiel and what Brisbane forked out for Lachie Neale last year.

“That is consistent with what he has told us,” Vozzo said.

“It is a deal we need to consider, for sure.

“There is always too high a price, it is what is fair and reasonable in any market and circumstances.

“We acknowledge he is a very good player for their football club and we acknowledge that a heavy price needs to be paid.”

Kelly has quickly become one of the best players in the competition in his time at Geelong. Picture: AAP

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Geelong also held talks with Fremantle about a potential Kelly deal in the event a trade with West Coast falls over for the second year-in-a-row.

The Dockers have pick No. 6 and are also set to secure 7 from St Kilda in exchange for star wingman Brad Hill.

It means the Dockers could also swoop first on Kelly if he tried to return home to Western Australia through the national draft.

Wells said both clubs were still in the frame.

“It was a productive morning without anything being finalised,” Wells said.

“We are no closer to actually doing a deal. West Coast have been very respectful as have Freo in their discussions.”

West Coast is eager to land Kelly to help round out what could be the best midfield in the competition next year alongside Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Andrew Gaff and brilliant ruckman Nic Naitanui.

To land their man, the Eagles may have to swap their top pick (No. 14) for multiple high-end selections to satisfy the Cats.

Vozzo said it was a possibility they have discussed.

“We have had some productive discussions with clubs on that front, so that is something we need to consider,” he said.

We are hopeful (of doing the deal). We have had a good start today.”

Fremantle desperately needs midfield replacements for Hill and Ed Langdon, who is bound for Melbourne.

Originally published as Geelong puts huge price on Tim Kelly as WA clubs circle