Geelong's mature age revelation Tim Kelly has confirmed he wants an AFL trade to West Coast, citing family reasons.
But the Cats will hold him to his contract for next season unless the right deal can be done.
Kelly, 24, capped a stunning debut season when he finished joint runner-up on Thursday night in the Cats' best and fairest count.
The onballer officially told Geelong on Friday morning that he wants to go home.
Kelly and his partner Caitlin are parents to a three-year-old boy and twins who are less than a year old.
"Tim and Caitlin wanted to stay in Geelong if they possibly could and it's not a decision that's been taken lightly," Kelly's manager Anthony Van Der Wielen told SEN.
"The club have been fantastic and let's hope something can be done.
"We're not walking in and banging our fist on the table, saying something has to be done, but we're just asking for a little bit of compassion.
"It would probably keep everyone happy by sending Tim and the family home."
But the Cats immediately made it clear that they would let Kelly go if an appropriate deal is reached.
They also mentioned Fremantle, whereas Kelly has made it clear he wants to go to the Eagles.
"As is well known, Tim is under contract to the Cats for the 2019 season, and it is highly likely he will remain with the club," Geelong said in a statement.
"However out of respect for Tim, we will listen to what Fremantle and West Coast are prepared to offer and determine whether or not we believe it is a viable trade for our club."
Van Der Wielen said if Kelly stays with Geelong for another season, his desire to return to WA is likely to be only stronger.
"It wasn't an easy call and we've only asked Geelong to explore the opportunity," he said.
"He absolutely loves Geelong and loves playing for Geelong.
"Tim's said on a number of occasions that if he could pick up the Geelong footy club and bring them back to Perth, he wouldn't be going anywhere - it's just hard."
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