One of the worst-kept secrets in the AFL world has finally been rubber-stamped, with wantaway Geelong superstar Tim Kelly nominating the West Coast Eagles as the club of choice in his request to return home to Western Australia.
Kelly unsuccessfully tried to negotiate a move to the Eagles in last year’s trade period, but was made to see out his two-year contract as West Coast were unable to meet Geelong’s high demands for the 25-year-old.
The Cats released a brief statement, hinting that they may force him to accept a move to Fremantle if the Dockers can muster up a better trade.
“Tim Kelly has asked that the club trade him to Western Australia, with his preference being to play with the West Coast Eagles.
“Tim is out of contract but is not a free agent.
“The club will explore all options in regard to Tim’s request.”
Kelly was selected with pick 24 of the 2017 draft as a mature-age recruit from South Fremantle in the WAFL. He took out the AFL Players’ Association’s best first-year player award in 2018 after averaging 23 disposals, 3.5 tackles, and four inside 50s per game, but made headlines after demanding a trade home despite playing in the AFL for just one season.
This year, he averaged 25 disposals, 4.2 tackles and 4.4 inside 50s in a superb year that saw him finish fifth in the Brownlow medal count.
Geelong coach Chris Scott has previously said he “can’t see a way” for a deal to get done.
RT
Roar Rookie
I haven't seen that much of him. But I don't think he will be a Sam Lloyd like the Bulldogs received from Richmond.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Richie would Menadue be a good fit at Freo ?
RT
Roar Rookie
His contract expires but he is not by AFL definition a free agent because he hasn't been at Geelong for long enough. Therefore he can get traded, re-sign with Geelong or go to the draft. If he was an unrestricted free agent he could go wherever he wants and Geelong would get compensation dependent on the new contract.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
And like any other player, ever, if you go in the draft, you go where your drafted. If you want to play AFL you follow this rule, unless you are traded. Some notable exceptions such as Buckley et. al. got the treatment and lack of respect they deserve.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Well, he could have just gone home last year and sat out for a year. The mechanics are plain. If there is no deal with WC or another team after the trade period, he can still sign with Geelong or he can choose to go to the draft. Or he could go back to the WAFL.
barra
Roar Rookie
play on like last year? you mean when he had a contract? (and more than honoured it) Next year he doesnt so why would he play on for geelong? for a club that helped prevent him returning home despite not being contracted to them? sorry but thats just deluded. nah if he can just avoid the draft and play for an afl club then it would obviously be WCE which is why i wondered if anyone actually knew how the mechanics would play out. seems like alot of it is just taken in good faith and noone especially the clubs want to rock the apple cart.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
All drafting etc would never stand up. But it is the system that pays a lot of people. GFC vs Kelly will never happen. They love him. If they were forced to delist him, he would just play on like last year. And have the same circus next year. WC have offered below the odds two years running. That is something.
barra
Roar Rookie
WCE are taking advantage??? they havnt even done anything yet! Anyway depends on your point of view on whats fair- whichever clubs are involved aside you are either looking from the point of view of the employee or the employer for "fairness". We arent the judges of this but a quick google says the AFL free agency and draft would likely not stand up in court if tested which will happen one day i suppose. For the sheer entertainment value i hope its kelly vs geelong as they do appear pretty recalcitrant at least publicly.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Barra, if you can draft players, develop them for two years and they go wherever they want, the system will fall apart. Just pretend, there are no other issues here. Kelly was at GCS and said he wanted to go home after two years. He must and should be traded fairly. WCE are just taking advantage.
barra
Roar Rookie
looked up the defo of a free agent and come the draft thats exactly what he is if his contract expires at that point so i guess the question is does he have to go in a draft to continue to be an afl player or can he just sign a contract with whoever as a free agent?
bret polok
Guest
No sweat, I'd take that anyday to see Drama Queenie Scott get sacked!
BBQ Bill
Guest
dont forget the chardonnay?
BBQ Bill
Guest
poor comment, what club doesn't have issues of one sort or another with player behaviour..
BBQ Bill
Guest
Absolutely. But I don't get all this W.A thing, Kelly nominated his preferred club. Another player doing so usually has their wish granted and the question of other clubs in that state don't come into the equation-he nominated a club not a state-why does this only pertain to W.A? Joe Daniher nominated Sydney for lifestyle reasons, why isn't there an argument about him possibly ending up at GWS? Anyway Kelly has kept his options open and is playing the field rightly so, for the best outcome for himself, while the clubs are seeking the best outcome for them. He said at the airport that 'all players nominate a preferred club and Eagles are mine, but Freo is a good club and I don't have a problem with them"
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
Or they may just flog WCE yet again.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
So I take it next time WCE looks at a Victorian player they'll say "No cant take him at 24 because we know Carlton want to take him at their 3rd pick of 26". Yea right. I dont seem to remember WCE saying dont take Wil Schofield he would rather play with his home team in Geelong.
Bangkokpussey
Roar Rookie
He will now be away from his family every second week instead of six weeks of the season. The Cats spent a lot of time with him to make sure he was comfortable coming to Geelong. At any point he could've said no. Not many players can't make one season before asking for a transfer. If I remember correctly a top exec from WCE was a great critic of players using the "go home" card. How the tune changes.
RT
Roar Rookie
He is not a free agent so he is not free to sign with who he wants. If there is no trade he woukd have to nominate for a draft (can't remember which one) and could end up at another club.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Definitely about right but only consideration I have is boots age might make it one first round pick 10-15 only.
Jack A
Guest
I can’t recall why Gehrig left but WC got Sierakowski and pick 18 which they used on Daniel Kerr - great trade! Here’s a video of Kerr tackling the G-train from a camera in the outer - https://youtu.be/A3Xxu891STY