HOW MUCH does Tim Kelly's value change if he wins the Brownlow Medal?

It's a question Geelong and potential suitors West Coast and Fremantle may have to ponder after his outstanding start to the year has seen him take the lead in the AFL.com.au Brownlow predictor after eight rounds.

WHO'S LEADING THE RACE? Check out AFL.com.au's Brownlow predictor

He has polled 14 votes to be one ahead of inspirational Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, with Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe on 11.

The West Australian has shot to the lead with successive best-on-ground performances. Last Sunday, he looked a class above as the Cats overcame a determined North Melbourne, collecting 36 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 11 clearances, eight inside-50s, two goals and 657m gained.

Those numbers are eye-popping and detail the exploits of someone quickly establishing himself in the elite tier.

He produced a similarly compelling set of stats the week prior as Geelong defeated Essendon: 30 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 10 clearances, five inside-50s and two goals.

Few players can do what Kelly does both inside and outside the contest, with and without the football. This year, he's ranked No.5 in the competition for average clearances, No.16 for contested possessions and No.16 for pressure acts.

Then looking at how he uses the football, Kelly is No.18 for score assists and No.27 for metres gained.

It's no wonder then that Fremantle has reinserted itself into the race for the brilliant onballer after being shut out of negotiations when Kelly sought a return to his home state at the end of last season. 

Turns out Kelly could be worth far more than anyone would have expected going into the year.