GEELONG won't be letting Tim Kelly go lightly, with list manager Stephen Wells saying the Cats would be demanding "a lot" from the star midfielder's West Australian suitors.

Speaking on Telstra AFL Trade Radio, Wells said draft picks would likely get the deal done, but West Coast's first-round selection this year (No.14) and first-round selection in 2020 would not be enough.

He said Geelong would be open to dealing with Fremantle despite Kelly's request to be dealt to the Eagles.

"All of us are very reluctant for Tim to go at all, but for him to end up at a fierce rival like West Coast Eagles, who we've got great respect for, or Fremantle, who we've also got great respect for, we're losing a player that has come second in our best and fairest in his first two years," Wells said.

SLIDING DOORS IF you stuffed it last year when he wanted to join ... THEN

"We want to do what's best for the Geelong Footy Club, taking into account everybody else's position as well."

Wells said Geelong would be happy to accept players as part of the deal, but felt it was unlikely.

He said two top-10 picks would be "nice".

"The market has been set through these sorts of trades in recent years with significant players that have left their club.

"The footy world knows Tim is an extremely valuable player and of course we'll demand a lot in a trade."

Kelly is fresh off a brilliant second season at the Cats, earning All Australian selection and finishing second to Patrick Dangerfield in Thursday night's Carji Greeves Medal.