NEW HOPE OF KEEPING KELLY WITH THE GANG

GEELONG has never been in a stronger position to retain Brownlow Medal favourite Tim Kelly, says Cats coach Chris Scott.

As Kelly weighs up a move to his home state of Western Australia — where he could command up to $1 million a season — Scott declared the star 24-year-old midfielder was “having the time of his life” at the Cattery.

The mature-age recruit has been the subject of fierce speculation on his playing future, but Scott claimed the club was no closer to learning if he’ll stay or go at season’s end.

“You’re asking the wrong person,” Scott said.

“I can give you my feel, but there’s even people on our list management committee that would have a better feel than I do. Even they couldn’t give you an accurate answer.

“It’s not worth speculating on because it could be so wildly inaccurate it’s not funny. I wouldn’t back my gut feel.”

Kelly indicated he wanted to return home at the end of last season, but a trade could not be struck with West Coast or Fremantle. The Eagles and Dockers are understood to have increased their offers, with the South Fremantle product set for a massive payday if he returns home.

The Cats are exploring radical deals in a bid to make it attractive for him and his family to stay in Geelong, including a five-year contract made up effectively of five one-year terms that Kelly can agree to progressively, allowing him to leave at any time.

But Kelly is now happier than ever at Geelong, with Scott having no d doubt b his career-best form has played an integral part in that.

“I’m not trying to speak for Tim, but I’ll repeat the things I’ve heard him say publicly. I think if you separate the footy side of things, which has never been in doubt, he’s having the time of his life on the footy field and he’s playing accordingly,” Scott said.

“But his family life, according to him and what he’s said publicly, is much, much better than it was.

“I think that has less to do with where he’s living and more to do with the fact that his twins are a year older.

“Young kids can be a handful for anyone, much less having moved across the country and playing AFL footy every week with all the difficulties that it entails.

If Tim’s happiness is the measure, then I think it’s all on track.”

Kelly’s manager Anthony Van Der Wielen is reportedly spending time in Geelong this week discussing his future, but it’s unlikely a decision will be made until season’s end.