Family reinforcements help Kelly focus on footy

TIM Kelly will enter his second season at Geelong with added family support and three clubs still desperately chasing his services for next year.

The star Cat has already pledged not to be distracted by continuing uncertainty over his contract status after a stunning second-placing in the Cats’ best and fairest award in his debut year.

He is out of contract at the end of this season and West Coast will again try to secure his signature after its fiveyear, $3 million trade deal was shut down by the Cats last year. Fremantle is also expected to resume its chase for Kelly after he refused to play ball with the Dockers last October.

Kelly’s partner, Caitlin Miller, and their three children, aged under three, spent the off-season back in Western Australia but returned to Geelong at the end of last month.

Miller will be joined this season by his 19-year-old cousin, who will help with the children, one of whom has special needs. Geelong hopes the added support will allow the family to grow more familiar and settled in the city.