Richmond have lodged the AFL paperwork for Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch, with confirmation due early next week.
Lynch is a restricted free agent, meaning the Suns have three days to match the Tigers’ offer.
But that is unlikely, given Gold Coast are set to receive pick No.3 in the national draft as compensation for losing Lynch.
As the free agency period opened on Friday, Luke Dahlhaus moved from the Western Bulldogs to Geelong and Reece Conca departed Richmond for Fremantle.
Dahlhaus and Conca are unrestricted free agents, meaning their moves were confirmed immediately.
The Cats secured Dahlhaus on a four-year deal and the Bulldogs gained a second-round draft pick as compensation for losing the 2016 premiership forward.
Conca has moved to his native WA on a three-year contract and the Tigers also will receive a late pick in the second round as compensation.
Conca was the first confirmed player move in the free agency/trade period.
While the trade period does not start until Monday, Kelly has confirmed he wants to return to WA.
There had been growing speculation that the mature-age revelation would seek a homecoming for family reasons.
The 24-year-old midfielder enjoyed an outstanding debut season and finished joint runner-up on Thursday night in Geelong’s best and fairest count.
But the Cats will not let him go easily.
“As is well-known, Tim is under contract to the Cats for the 2019 season and it is highly likely that 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.”