The manager of West Coast’s Tim Kelly has shut down suggestions the midfielder would seek a trade at the end of 2025.
Reports swirled that Kelly, who was traded to the Eagles from Geelong in 2020, would be open to conversations about another move in the future.
But as speculation began to grow, Kelly’s manager, Anthony Van Der Wielen has moved quickly to deny anything of the sort.
“Tim Kelly is completely committed to the West Coast Eagles,” Van Der Wielen said via a statement on Wednesday.
Van Der Wielen declared the 30-year-old was “excited” about working under new coach Andrew McQualter, who joins the Eagles after years as an assistant at Richmond and Melbourne.
“I spoke with him at length just yesterday and can confirm he is very excited about what lies ahead under the guidance of new coach Andrew McQualter,” he said.
As for the lack of contract talks within the Eagles regarding Kelly’s future, Van Der Wielen is waiting to sit down and map out the next move.
“He is currently contracted up until the end of this season (2025), and I see no reason why he wouldn’t remain with the club beyond that if they wish to retain him,” he said.
Andrew McQualter, new West Coast coach, speaks to players. Getty
“We are open to discussing this with the list management team anytime they wish to do so.”
Kelly will be joined by Richmond premiership players Shai Bolton and Liam Baker next year at the Eagles, with the pair requesting trades west.
They both played under McQualter and are said to be excited to see what their former assistant coach can bring to the floundering Eagles, who finished 16th this season.
Kelly is a 2019 All-Australian and last year took home the John Worsforld Medal, judged the best and fairest Eagle of 2023.
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