GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 28: Tim Kelly of the Cats in action during the 2018 AFL round six match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at GMHBA Stadium on April 28, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield has been impressed by the way midfielder Tim Kelly has approached his second pre-season at the club.

Kelly played an infamous role in trade discussions last October, after asking for a move to his home state of Western Australia - in particular West Coast - but was denied his requesr by Geelong.

Head of the AFL Player's Association, Dangerfield spoke highly in regards to Kelly's situation, and the way he has handled himself heading into the 2019 season.

"It's very much too early to call in terms of personal circumstances, he's obviously got three kids and having one myself with great family support around me living in the area I grew up, it's still difficult enough," Dangerfield told SEN radio.

"He still has to make that decision at some stage throughout the year, but we're looking forward to him playing good footy at the Cats.

"I'm sure Tim would've been disappointed at the end of last season, but in terms of the way he's prepared himself he's been outstanding which speaks to his character that's for sure.

"We're not going to pretend like that didn't happen, you've got to understand the reasons why and we certainly do and we're going to support Tim as much as we possibly can.

"If he's game on the weekend is anything to go by, he's going to take it to another level this year."

Kelly took out the AFLPA best first year player award last year following 23 games with the Cats.