Tim Kelly left Perth two years ago a virtual unknown, but arrives back this week a star of the AFL after a breakout start to his career with ladder-leaders Geelong.
The Dockers, who play the Cats this weekend, are hoping to bring one of the game's most sought-after players home for good, and they have a key advantage against cross-town rivals West Coast to snare the Brownlow Medal contender.
The stakes are high for Fremantle.
With its finals hopes almost dashed, Kelly would bring some much-needed firepower to a Dockers team that has struggled to deliver consistently in 2019.
Crucially, the Dockers have the salary cap space to pay Kelly what would be a hefty price, and with players such as Ed Langdon and Bradley Hill being targeted by Victorian clubs, Fremantle is better placed than West Coast to satisfy Geelong in a potential trade.
Conversely, the Eagles loaded up lucrative long-term deals for Andrew Gaff (which reportedly included a get-out clause) and Jeremy McGovern last year, Elliott Yeo at the end of 2017 and Nic Naitanui this year.
And with the club again in premiership contention, there will not be an early draft pick West Coast could use without letting go of a required player.
Kelly 'no closer' to a decision
No doubt while Kelly is in Perth he will be surrounded by journalists eager to ask about his future.
But just days ago he told the ABC he had not made a decision.
"No, I am not any closer, I wish I was," the 25-year-old said after the Cats win against Sydney on the weekend.
"I think I have said it a few times now. It is all up in the air at the moment," he said.
"Obviously, my management is working really closely with Geelong and we are just going to see how things pan out.
"It is going to come down to how things are put forward to me and for me and my family."
The out-of-contract midfielder attempted to come home to Western Australia after his first year at Geelong for family reasons, and almost landed at West Coast at the end of last year.
Kelly previously not keen on Dockers trade
A season on, and many industry experts expect him to again ask for a trade home to Perth.
The Cats are in Perth for the week ahead of Saturday's clash with Fremantle at Perth Stadium, where Kelly can get a first-hand look at a club who wants his signature.
"Definitely looking forward to coming to Perth, looking forward to catching up with some family and friends," the South Fremantle product said.
"I have got my partner Caitlin and my boys as well, so it is a good time."
Last season, Kelly refused to entertain a trade to the Dockers for reasons that publicly remain unclear.
Things have been tumultuous at Fremantle with the uncertainty surrounding the future of coach Ross Lyon, and a dramatic slide in form seeing the club win just one of its last six games.
Whatever the outcome it will again be one of the major talking points of the off-season, unless Kelly signs on at Geelong beforehand.
