Tim Kelly could remain at Geelong next season, according to SEN Mornings' host Sam McClure.
It was expected Kelly would leave the Cats, after requesting a trade home to Western Australia last year.
However, a deal between West Coast and Geelong could not be struck at the time.
McClure now believes Kelly could stay with the Cats beyond this season.
“I’ve been thinking about this and the noise coming from both parties. It sounds to me like the wheel is just beginning to turn more in the Geelong favour than West Coast and Fremantle,” he told SEN Mornings.
“There is no doubt that Tim Kelly is happy at Geelong. I think he was happy at Geelong last year.
“I think it’s great that the Cats held him to his contract because of his love for the club. He’s got some family issues where he and his partner have got young children and would like to raise them back in Western Australia.
“I think the chances of him returning to WA are getting less likely. I still think there’s a good chance that West Coast and Fremantle will come hard.”
McClure also provided an update on the contract Geelong was currently offering Kelly.
“Geelong have actually offered him a deal whereby he would be able to sign at big money, at $800,000, for one year and that he would also be able to sign a deal where he could trigger a second year if he likes,” McClure said.
“So he signs a one-year deal at good money, they try to win a flag, and then if he’s all happy, he can trigger a deal for the same or more money for 2021 and beyond.
“I don’t think Tim Kelly at this stage will be signing a long term deal with Geelong, but I think the chances of him signing a one or one-plus-one deal over leaving for West Coast or Fremantle are probably better placed than they were this time last year.”
