Geelong gun Tim Kelly doubles down on trade request

Geelong star Tim Kelly has once again declared that he wants to continue his AFL career with West Coast, the prolific midfielder asking the Cats to get a deal done during the upcoming trade period.

Kelly, who's trade request at the end of last season was denied by Geelong, finished fifth in this year's Brownlow Medal count following a stellar campaign that saw him earn All-Australian honours.

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The 25-year-old has played in all 48 AFL games for the Cats over the past two seasons, averaging 24 possessions and one goal per match, but is keen to take his young family back to his native Western Australia.

Fremantle have vowed to do their best to lure Kelly, but Geelong confirmed the Eagles remain his desired destination.

"Tim Kelly has asked that the club trade him to Western Australia, with his preference being to play with the West Coast Eagles," a club statement read.

"Tim is out of contract but is not a free agent. The club will explore all options in regard to Tim's request."

The Eagles baulked at Geelong's asking price in 2018, understood to be two first-round draft picks, and it will only have become steeper on the back of Kelly's heroics this season.

The Cats picked him out of the WAFL as a 23-year-old in the second round (No.24) of the 2017 draft.

A repeat of last year's protracted negotiations would hold up other deals in the trade period, which starts on Monday, where Essendon's Orazio Fantasia could be on the move.

Port Adelaide confirmed their interest in speaking to Fantasia should the South Australian forward seek a trade back his home state.

The 24-year-old is contracted to the Bombers until the end of 2021, but speculation that he is leaning towards switching clubs continues.

"I can certainly tell you that when a young South Australian player wants to come home at any point that we've got an interest," Power football boss Chris Davies told AFL Trade Radio.

"But I think there's a fair bit to play out with Orazio yet."

Port's ruck stocks will be diminished at the trade period, with Paddy Ryder keen to join St Kilda and Billy Frampton linked with a cross-town move to the Crows.

Small forward Sam Gray is also assessing interest from other clubs, but Davies doesn't see contracted pair Sam Powell-Pepper or Dougal Howard leaving despite speculation to the contrary.

Davies shut down talk of contracted co-captain Ollie Wines seeking a go-home trade to Victoria.

In free agency news, two-time Richmond premiership winger Brandon Ellis is set to join Gold Coast.

After 176 games in eight seasons at Punt Road, Ellis is expected to sign a lucrative long-term deal with the Suns when the free agency window opens on Friday.

The 26-year-old is a restricted free agent, but it appears the club won't exercise its right to match any rival offer.