James Kelly

[footyfan_25]

Just wondering why he is going under the radar so much this year.

Has had a fantastic season so far, yet hardly a mention.

Avg. 24 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles a game.

With the likes of Bartel, Ablett, Corey & Chapman (despite Chapman being way down on last years form) it would be easy to go un-noticed.

Without seeing too many Cats games I assume he is playing wing/across half back? ... Are his stats mis-leading or has he taken the next step?

 

[cat_fanatic]

Plays midfield and half-forward. Taken his game to a new level this year leading the comp in score assists and gfc for tackles. He does get overlooked by opposition coaches, purely because they have others to worry about. You can't stop them all.

 

[OldStyle2007]

I reckon he had a ripper 2nd half in the Dream Team match which helped the Vics win

surprised he wasn't in the votes

 

[someday-somehow]

Just wondering why he is going under the radar so much this year.

Has had a fantastic season so far, yet hardly a mention.

Avg. 24 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles a game.

With the likes of Bartel, Ablett, Corey & Chapman (despite Chapman being way down on last years form) it would be easy to go un-noticed.

Without seeing too many Cats games I assume he is playing wing/across half back? ... Are his stats mis-leading or has he taken the next step?

Yeah that's interesting isn't it, there has been a lot of talk around Stokes being the next best midfielder in the Geelong lineup but Kelly so far is having a breakout year considering where he has been playing, there is no doubt he has taken his game up a notch this year.

 

[footyfan_25]

Would it be fair to say he has become the Steve Johnson of last year.

Actually playing a similar role to that of Johnson/Chapman last year ... both midfield and fwd.

Could be the reason why Johnson and Chapman have not been as good this year.

 

[thegerman]

Yes I totally agree with you. However observing his rise last year, it took until round 10 or 11 before people on this board started to notice.

We all agree that Kel had a terrible 2006, alas he wasn't alone. In the off season he made great strides to ensure that 2007 wasn't going to be a repeat. Then he was booked for a high tackle which received a ridiculous 4 weeks.

Since that occasion I've noticed something about him, not just the stats posted above. He's won back his confidence to hit a pack hard. I'd thought this had been lost with his broken leg in 2004.

When you next watch a game, watch him hit the pack and get the ball. It is quite fascinating to watch.

That is what has changed about him, which brings a great amount of confidence. Now he is the lead up half forward, a great addition to SJ on the other side.

 

[goyoucatters]

Totally agree that his attack on the football has markedly improved - it is also obvious that his second/third efforts are now often resulting in possession remaining with the Cats.

His handball in traffic is also very handy now - but for me it's the determination to stay in the contest that has really set him up.

Always had the skills, and now has the fierce continual attack on the football to go with it.

GO JK!