Geelong coach Chris Scott remains confident the AFL club will retain in-demand midfielder Tim Kelly.
Kelly has played all 17 games in his first season with the Cats, getting plenty of the ball and kicking a couple of clutch goals.
The 24-year-old is the league's latest mature-age recruit success story, having been drafted last year following an outstanding season in the WAFL.
Kelly, currently on a standard two-year draftee deal that expires at the end of the 2019 season, has been linked with a return to Perth.
"I'm pretty confident but I must admit I'm a step removed from those discussions," Scott told reporters.
"He's playing in a manner that suggests he's enjoying his footy and loves playing with his Cats teammates.
"When I talk to him, he seems really happy in Geelong.
"I'd love to coach him for 15 years."
Youngsters Jack Henry, Quinton Narkle and Esava Ratugolea all signed contract extensions this week.
Kelly, a father of three, noted earlier this month he wouldn't rush into making a decision on his future.
"At times it is challenging, I'm not going to lie. There are times where I wish I had my family just round the corner," Kelly said.
Scott acknowledged that anybody in Kelly's situation would have some issues settling into new surrounds.
"Whether those issues are big enough for him to leave the opportunity he's got with the cats is yet to be discovered," Scott said.
"But all indications to me are really positive."
