Geelong could expect a first-round draft pick if Tim Kelly wants a trade back to WA
GEELONG hopes first-year star Tim Kelly stays, as WA clubs continue to circle. Cats coach Chris Scott might have dropped a big hint about his future plans at a recent press conference. What is he worth if he does request a trade back home?
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GEELONG coach Chris Scott might have dropped a vital clue about Tim Kelly’s future in his press conference.
West Coast is circling the first-year midfield revelation as a potential replacement option if free agent Andrew Gaff leaves the Eagles at season’s end.
Kelly’s value is rising by the week, after another best-on-ground performance against red-hot reigning premier Richmond on Friday night.
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But clearly Scott thinks the 24-year-old ball-winner is staying in blue and white for a long while yet.
It has flown under the radar, but the Cats’ coach dropped this hint about the 183cm West Australian match winner in his post-match press conference last week, after another 36 touches against the star-studded Tigers.
“With the company that was surrounding him tonight from both teams, for him to really stand out (is excellent),” Scott said.
“I think my analysis is right on that. I think he was clearly the player that stood above the others in and around the contest.
“It’s a pretty good effort.
“He has got a lot of good footy ahead of him for the Cats.”
A lot of footy ahead of him? At the Cats?
That’s brilliant news for Geelong, if the coach is on the money.
Kelly is headed for a top-five finish in Geelong’s best and fairest, averaging 23 possessions across 19 games in his stunning debut season.
He was the bargain pick of the last year’s draft, with the Cats taking the playmaker with the 24th selection overall.
If the homesick midfielder requests a trade back to Perth, Geelong can expect to receive a draft pick in the 12-20 range.
Rival recruiters said a “mid-to-late first-round selection” in this year’s draft would be adequate compensation for the explosive midfielder.
One renowned recruiter said an early second-round selection should be enough for Kelly.
That is unlikely to appease Geelong, which could also ask for a player given Kelly would leave a vacancy in the starting midfield.
The Cats have wanted Kelly to sign a long-term extension for several months but the ball magnet has decided to park contract talks until the end of the season.
West Coast currently holds pick 20 and could receive a second top-20 selection if free agent Andrew Gaff returns to Melbourne.
That would help arm the Eagles with the salary cap space to throw Kelly a generous offer.
Fremantle holds pick No.6 but traded away its next few picks last year as it struck trades for Nathan Wilson (GWS) and Brandon Matera (Gold Coast).
The Eagles Kelly’s likely destination if he does depart Geelong.
Kelly and his partner, Caitlin Miller, have found life in regional Victoria difficult at times with three children under the age of three.
They miss their support network of family and friends, although are still open to remaining in Geelong.
Kelly’s contract at Kardinia Park runs until the end of 2019, but it is becoming far more common for players to be traded under contract.
No.1 pick Tom Boyd was traded from GWS to the Western Bulldogs after just one AFL season.
While clubs have marvelled at Kelly’s ability to win the ball, his kicking does raise questions.
Since Round 8 Kelly has recorded a positive kick rating only once with Champion Data.
Kelly’s kick rating the past three weeks has read -15.9 per cent, -30.8 per cent and -15.6 per cent.
But that didn’t stop Kelly polling maximum coach’s votes against Richmond with 36 disposals last Friday night.
The right-footer recently collected 17 disposals in the final quarter against the Western Bulldogs.
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