Geelong is set to re-sign top young AFL midfielder James Kelly to a three-year deal.

It is a massive boost to the Cats as they try to keep their highly-rated list together.

"We've got about 20 coming out of contract and we've been working very diligently through that," chief executive Brian Cook told Channel 10.

"We're probably halfway through.

"Kelly being young and as talented as he is, and given there are sides with deficiencies in midfield, he's always going to be a target.

"As you have some of the really high-drawing, powerful clubs who are in the bottom half, it makes it even more sensitive for us."

Kelly, 21, made his debut in 2002 and has played 58 games for Geelong, including all 12 this season.

His season ended prematurely last year when Kelly suffered a broken leg in round 14.

Cook added the players were resisting the lure of big money at other clubs to stay at Geelong, which finished fourth last season.

"The players have been really good and I think all of the players we've signed could have earned a lot more elsewhere and so there's some good signs for us.

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