Geelong list manager Stephen Wells has stated that the Cats will be demanding "a lot" for star onballer Tim Kelly, who requested a trade to the West Coast Eagles this week.
While admitting that draft picks will likely get a deal done for Kelly, Wells believes that the Eagles' current first-round selection in this year's draft (pick 14) and their 2020 first-round selection won't be enough to satisfy the Cats.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio, Wells said that Geelong will look to deal with the Eagles' Western Australian rivals Fremantle, despite Kelly opting for a move to the royal blue and gold.
"All of us are very reluctant for Tim to go at all, but for him to end up at a fierce rival like West Coast Eagles, who we've got great respect for, or Fremantle, who we've also got great respect for, we're losing a player that has come second in our best and fairest in his first two years," Wells said.
"We want to do what's best for the Geelong Footy Club, taking into account everybody else's position as well."
Wells said the club would welcome players as part of the deal for Kelly, but admitted it's unlikely to be the case, adding that two top-10 draft selections would be "nice".
"The market has been set through these sorts of trades in recent years with significant players that have left their club.
"The footy world knows Tim is an extremely valuable player and of course we'll demand a lot in a trade."
Kelly averaged 25.4 disposals per game and kicked 24 goals in 2019, whilst adding an All-Australian selection and a place on the podium behind Patrick Dangerfield in Thursday nights Carji Greeves Medal count.
