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Geelong gets massive return from West Coast for Tim Kelly

Australian Associated Press

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.

Family was a big reason why Tim Kelly wanted to return to Western Australia.
Tim Kelly was keen to move back to Western Australia for family reasons. Pic: Getty

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.

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.