TIM Kelly is officially a West Coast Eagle.
The Geelong midfielder requested a trade back to his home state earlier this month, and had nominated West Coast as his club of choice.
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READ NOWWest Coast and Geelong made swift progress on the Kelly trade, with the deal finalised on Wednesday.
“I still can’t believe it to be honest,” Kelly told a press conference this morning.
“I’m absolutely rapt, excited.
“It’s been really emotional. Ultimately we know we’ve made the right decision.
“My mind’s been made up for quite a long time now really.”
Of all his new teammates, Kelly said ruckman Nic Naitanui was the one he was looking forward to playing with most.
“Nic Nat – he sends it out, he’s the one,” he said.
“He’s hopefully going to be putting it wherever I want, and it’s going to make my life a hell of a lot easier.”
West Coast coach Adam Simpson said the completion of the deal was a big relief.
“We’re ecstatic – it’s been a long process,” Simpson said.
“It strengthens our list, it gives us more options and we can continue to strive for the ultimate.
“I think both clubs walk away reasonably happy with what’s happened.”
The Cats received picks 14, 24 and 37 in this year’s draft and a first-round selection next year.
The Eagles got Kelly, pick 57 in this year’s draft and a third-round selection next year.
“The selections we have secured will give us the best opportunity to add high-end talent to our list in the upcoming national draft,” Cats recruiting manager Stephen Wells said.