GEELONG chief executive Brian Cook remains confident Tim Kelly will be a long-term Cat despite potential rival interest.
Cook told the Geelong Advertiser that he was aware the lure of home could be an influencing factor on the breakout star.
“There’s no doubt that clubs over there (WA) and probably clubs everywhere are having a look at him,” Cook said.
“But we’re not concerned at this stage about any movement for Kelly elsewhere apart from staying here.”
The Cats’ CEO is pleased with the play of pick 24 in last year’s draft.
“I think he’s contributing as much as 4 (Gary Ablett), 14 (Joel Selwood) and 35 (Patrick Dangerfield) at the moment and who would have ever thought that?
“He’s only been here five minutes, but the issue is he’s playing such good footy there’s an expectation, and understandably so, that we’ll re-contract him which we will.
“It’s an issue that we need to be wary of, but he’s going to be a long-term Geelong Cats player.”
Kelly’s manager Anthony Van Der Wielen says Kelly has hit the ground running in Geelong.
“He’s very, very happy where he’s at. Geelong have been fantastic to him and he’s settled in really well and obviously playing good footy,” Van Der Wielen said.
“Geelong would love him to stay long-term. I haven’t got a figure put to me or a term ... but they’ve made it known he’s wanted.”
Kelly’s decision will hinge on his partner Caitlin, two-year-old son Tykeem and newborn twin boys Tariq and Trey.
“He’s got a very young family who have had to make a huge move from Perth.
“It will all come down to the family and can everybody stay in Geelong? Caitlin’s mum and dad have flown across a couple of times already, but they can’t do that all the time.
“We’ll just have to wait and see.”