GEELONG coach Chris Scott has dismissed the notion that Tim Kelly is certain to leave the club at the end of the season. 

Kelly sparkled in the Cats first game of the season, amassing 31 disposals and nine clearances in what Scott told SEN 1116 was a best-on-ground performance.

"Anyone that thinks it's a foregone conclusion that Tim Kelly is going to leave Geelong is mistaken," Scott said.

"I'd probably repeat the comments that Tim's made already publicly, that none of us can predict the future. He's really driven to win a premiership with Geelong.

"Our list management team will work really hard on getting a good result for the club."

Kelly will be a vital part of the Cats 2019 campaign, looking to build upon his second-placed Carji Greeves medal last year. 

"I think the best result for the Geelong footy club is for Tim to have a great year. He started it pretty well. He was the best player on the ground, in my view, last night," Scott said.

"I am very, very optimistic that he'll be a Geelong player for a long time."