3 minute read

The AFL trade period opened with Geelong setting out their asking price as West Coast try to secure All-Australian midfielder Tim Kelly.

Geelong want more than two AFL first-round draft picks from West Coast for All-Australian midfielder Tim Kelly.

The AFL trade period opened with the Cats and Eagles formally starting negotiations on how Kelly might achieve his wish of a trade back to WA.

While West Coast football boss Craig Vozzo said the talks had started well, it's frosty between Essendon and Sydney over Joe Daniher.

The Bombers key forward wants a trade to the Swans, but Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said it's up to Sydney to make a good enough offer.

Dodoro also said their preference is for Daniher to stay and he shapes as the biggest story of the trade period.

The Cats' high asking price means the Eagles will probably need to bring other clubs in on the Kelly deal.

"Tim is worth more than that (two first-round picks)," Geelong list manager Stephen Wells said.

Vozzo said the discussions had been productive and they realise Kelly will not come cheaply.

"It's a deal we need to consider," he said.

"We acknowledge he's a very good player ... and a heavy price needs to be played."

He added future West Coast picks might be part of a Kelly trade.

Also on Monday, St Kilda confirmed they are talking to Ben King's management as they try to reunite him with his twin brother Max.

The Saints are making no secret of their bid to lure Ben away from Gold Coast if he decides not to extend when his contract expires next season.

"That's a pretty clear-cut one - Ben is playing at Gold Coast next year, and if he doesn't sign and looks to move next year we'll talk to him," Saints football manager Simon Lethlean told AFL Trade Radio.

"We look forward to seeing if Max is faster than he is because he reckons he is."

St Kilda recruited Max with the No.4 pick in last year's draft and Ben went to the Suns at No.6.

Collingwood small forward Jamie Elliott has told Melbourne he does not want to join them, but Brisbane are optimistic they remain in the hunt for the free agent.

Late on Monday afternoon, the Demons secured GWS free agent Adam Tomlinson and are also confident of securing Ed Langdon from Fremantle.