I don't really rate mature age pick due to them only being depth or solid/decent foot soldiers. However, kelly has the potential to do a Barlow if not better and you have to also realise that a lot of young mids that are drafted at 18 usually come into their own at 22-24 years of age as well. Oscar Allen makes me nervous purely because he is an under size tall forward with heaps of question marks (but undeniable potential). Can he make it as a mid? can he over take Brander and waterman? etc. I don't think id be as nervous if we got fogerty.
I don’t disagree with a lot of what you are saying, however I’m optimistic that Oallen will be a quality player.
Comparing age profiles Gaff is about 2 years old but also a Club Champ 2 years ago, Yeo is AA and 6 months older. Sheed is 12 months younger and your boy Duggan is nearly 3 years younger but already has 50 games under his belt.
I just think Kelly’s performance this year should be judged against guys in his age bracket, rather than first year players.
Could he of helped this year? Probably, but I’m not gonna worry that we missed out on him.
Also talk of bringing him home, I’m only on board if he comes cheap. The last few times we have traded in 25-26 year olds that cost significant draft capital was Redden and Wellingham and everyone on here loved both of those moves.