Geelong eager to extend midfielder Tim Kelly’s contract but club must wait on WA product

GEELONG looks likely to have to wait on extending the contract of star recruit Tim Kelly. Plus Dan Menzel’s competition-worst stats and contract news on the Swans and Kangas.

Tim Kelly handpasses ahead of Jack Steven. Pic: Getty Images

THE CATS will have to wait on extending the contract of star recruit Tim Kelly as he eases into life in Geelong.

West Australian Kelly has been a revelation in his four games at Geelong, averaging 22 possessions as a midfielder-forward and kicking five goals.

Taken as a 23-year-old after starring as the runner-up in the WAFL’s Sandover Medal, the Cats swooped several picks before West Coast in last year’s national draft.

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Geelong has already asked his management about an extension beyond 2019 but he has plenty on his plate.

He and his partner Caitlin are settling into Geelong with new twins Tariq and Trey and young son Tykeem.

His manager Anthony Van Der Wielen earlier this month lauded Cats player development managers David Johnson and Clare Mitchell-Taverner.

Tim Kelly has made a big impression with the Cats. Pic: Getty Images

Dan Menzel is on track for a 60-goal season. Pic: Getty Images

“They have been excellent with Caitlin, his partner,’’ he told the Herald Sun.

“I can’t see any reason why he would want to move home other than his whole family being back in Perth. He will play out the year and then see.”

Geelong will also have to navigate a way forward on a contract for Cats goalkicker Daniel Menzel, who has 14 goals already for the season.

It has been reported he is on a base of $180,000 for the year, with Cats coach Chris Scott saying on Sunday he was happy with his goalkicking and increased pressure.

Incredibly, his pressure this year has actually got worse, Menzel averaging 8.4 forward half pressure points, down from 11.2 forward half pressure points.

Both figures are the worst in the competition for small forwards, but free agent Menzel remains one of the most brilliant and enigmatic forwards in football.

Nick Smith has been a stalwart of the Sydney defence. Pic: Getty Images

Shaun Atley is a free agent. Pic: Michael Klein

SYDNEY free agent Nick Smith, soon to celebrate his 200th game, is already assured a deal for next season.

The 29-year-old is understood to have a clause in his contract which will see his deal rolled over into 2019.

The premiership small defender, known for his close-checking games on Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli, has played 195 games in his career.

NORTH Melbourne free agent Shaun Atley, fresh from one of his best games in recent memory, still hasn’t started contract talks with the Roos.

The dashing defender is one of only a handful of restricted free agents on the market, kicking three goals to go with 22 possessions against Carlton.

The 25-year-old has breakneck pace but has at times squandered his possessions, finishing 10th in last year’s best-and-fairest.

The Roos want to get a better gauge on his form, with Atley conceding recently the contract situation is in the back of his mind.

North Melbourne would ideally bring in several draft picks as it seeks to lure a handful of father-son contenders and Tasmanian NGA player Tarryn Thomas.

But if he left as a free agent they would be unlikely to secure a pick inside the first two rounds given his solid but unspectacular form.

COLLINGWOOD’S No.6 draft pick Jaidyn Stephenson is closing in on a two-year extension after his spectacular five-goal performance against Adelaide.

Stephenson’s manager Robbie D’Orazio had been keen to extend his initial two year deal over the summer and while that process was delayed while new list manager Ned Guy began his role at the club, both parties are on board for a deal that will run through to 2021.

Originally published as Geelong eager to extend midfielder Tim Kelly’s contract but club must wait on WA product