Geelong gets massive return from West Coast for Tim Kelly
Geelong have accepted a swag of draft picks from West Coast in return for star midfielder Tim Kelly in a blockbuster AFL trade finalised on Wednesday.
The Cats will receive selections 14, 24 and 37 in this year's draft and the Eagles' first-round pick in the 2020 draft in return for Kelly, Geelong's pick 57 this year and a third-round selection in 2020.
"The selections we have secured will give us the best opportunity to add high-end talent to our list in the upcoming national draft," Cats recruiting manager Stephen Wells said.
Kelly's blockbuster trade drew mixed reactions from fans on social media.
I’m happy with the Tim Kelly deal.. I really am #AnywherebutWCE pic.twitter.com/4qcvkYf5MU
— Yvonne 🌈 (@JuztYvonne) October 9, 2019
As much as it hurts Geelong to lose Tim Kelly they still have to be happy! They’ve turned a former 24th pick into Pick 14,24,37 AND a future 1st rounder...👏 Cats Recruiting team deserve a pay rise
— Brad Felstead (@BradFelstead) October 9, 2019
Sad to see Tim Kelly leave us at @GeelongCats but I wish him all the best for his career with @WestCoastEagles https://t.co/R0Rk0pjI85
— Anton K (@antonk1111) October 9, 2019
Tim Kelly gets a six year deal. Wow. No doubting his quality, but longevity possibly.
— Nath (@itsjustnath79) October 9, 2019
West Coast win the Tim Kelly deal hands down. #AFLTrade
— Anthony Lanzoni (@AnthonyLanzoni) October 9, 2019
Idk it just hurts that Tim Kelly is going back to the place that turned him down multiple times and didn’t believe in him 🤷🏻♀️
— Em ✨ (@emilyxwade) October 9, 2019
Very proud he is home and happy as an Eagle
— Victor Yong (@BigV2011WCE) October 9, 2019
"That will see out his playing days in the blue and gold."
Tim Kelly's manager Anthony van der Wielen confirms the length of the West Coast deal.
Trade News Hour, for Country Life Australia's Soap For Tradies. #AFLTrade pic.twitter.com/fvYstQvy4c— Telstra AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 9, 2019
Pretty good effort by Geelong and West Coast to get the Tim Kelly deal done first. Lots of carry on about how Geelong were dealing with the situation but they've done a great job in all honesty.
— Sgt Butane (@SgtButane) October 9, 2019
The Cats upped the stakes when trade talks officially opened on Monday, confirming they wanted more than two first-round draft picks for the All-Australian midfielder.
Eagles football manager Craig Vozzo did not shoot down the Cats' demands when asked about their talks on Monday, saying it was a deal they needed to consider.
Vozzo added they realised the Geelong midfielder would not come cheaply.
The swap of draft picks between West Coast and Geelong could also result in the Cats cutting a deal with St Kilda to secure midfielder Jack Steven, who wants the move.
.@GeelongCats list manager Stephen Wells details Tim Kelly’s trade to @WestCoastEagles @7NewsMelbourne #AFLTrades @7Sport pic.twitter.com/ohXDI36ev5
— Sean Sowerby (@SeanSowerby7) October 9, 2019
Kelly is out of contract and has requested a trade to West Coast after two outstanding seasons at Geelong.
He and his partner Caitlin have three young children and two of them have autism.
They want to return to WA for more family support.