Toast James Kelly

[Churros]

Dear James Kelly,
you were barely recognised as one of our better midfielders, with players like Ablett and Bartel playing beside you for the majority of your career.

In 2011, you've gotten the recognition you deserve, with elite, consistent performances. BOG after BOG after BOG, and you never stop trying. It is for those reasons you are All-Australian this year.

It's amusing watching opposition supporters question your inclusion in the AA team and "undeserved" praise from the media, and then the next week, have you being BOG in a loss inflicted on their team, posting "Somebody STOP KELLY!" during the game.

Thank you for being a great contributor, and thanks for signing on with Geelong. Your efforts no longer go unnoticed. I hope and pray you can inflict more pain on opposition supporters and players for the rest of your career. Go Pops!

Team Kelly, out.

 

[Pollywaffle]

I was an early doubter
Proves the worth of good recruiting and persistence. Kelly has just got better and better Now he is a proven Gun
Tom hawkins,Trav varcoe knockers take note

 

[LifeSpan-Void]

Kelly was the highest rated of himself, Bartel and Ablett after the 2001 draft, and was absolutely flying before breaking his leg against West Coast in 2004. He had persistent foot problems in 2005 which followed him into 2006 (also had pretty crap form, as well as the fractured scapula he copped in the NAB cup final against Adelaide) and wasn't until 2007 when he put his head down and became more unheralded in comparison to the media recognition of Bartel and Ablett. It's good to see him get back there, but he did get the kudos before the other two.

 

[mac_cat]

When Josh Hunt was out for the season, Kelly also covered Hunt's absence in the backline beautifully, and I think that's where he really honed the defensive aspects of his game.

Like Bartel, he is obviously willing to do the team thing and play anywhere, regardless of his ego.

 

[Churros]

Kelly was the highest rated of himself, Bartel and Ablett after the 2001 draft, and was absolutely flying before breaking his leg against West Coast in 2004. He had persistent foot problems in 2005 which followed him into 2006 (also had pretty crap form, as well as the fractured scapula he copped in the NAB cup final against Adelaide) and wasn't until 2007 when he put his head down and became more unheralded in comparison to the media recognition of Bartel and Ablett. It's good to see him get back there, but he did get the kudos before the other two.

Obviously he was rated higher than some of the others when he started out. He was good. But then again, back then, not a lot of people thought we had an elite midfield. I was talking about Kel's recognition when we were noticed as having a top unit of middies.

It's like Menzel, Duncan and Christensen right now. I think the majority of people like Menzel best ahead of Christensen and Duncan, but this injury could give him some bad years. Then once Menz steps up, people from opposition teams will again see what sort of player he really is.

 

[Churros]

I was an early doubter
Proves the worth of good recruiting and persistence. Kelly has just got better and better Now he is a proven Gun
Tom hawkins,Trav varcoe knockers take note

Agreed. I always saw that Kelly had huge potential as a younger player. Look what he's become after some practice and getting over an injury.

I see even bigger potential in Hawkins and Varcoe. I bet they'll be up to it within the next 2 years.

 

[Jimmy Bravo]

He's had a superb year, and will probably be rewarded with the B&F. The only people I can see pipping him are Bartel and Corey, another two who haven't been fully recognised outside GFC for the big years they've had. He'll be one of the most crucial players for us on the park again this Saturday, with his tackling pressure necessary in the clinches. Hopefully he has a Grand Final to match the rest of his season.

 

[DanA]

He's had a superb year, and will probably be rewarded with the B&F. The only people I can see pipping him are Bartel and Corey, another two who haven't been fully recognised outside GFC for the big years they've had. He'll be one of the most crucial players for us on the park again this Saturday, with his tackling pressure necessary in the clinches. Hopefully he has a Grand Final to match the rest of his season.

I think Scarlett, Enright & Lonergan will be right up there too for the B&F

 

[Churros]

I think Scarlett, Enright & Lonergan will be right up there too for the B&F

I love Lonergan. He's one of my favourites. But I doubt he'll win B&F. Has had a few bad games, and doesn't get enough recognition from..well anyone really. Maybe next year.

Enright and Scarlo are definitely up there.

Here's who I think are the biggest contenders for the B&F from our current playing best 22.

1. Kelly
2. Corey
3. Selwood
4. Enright
5. Scarlett
6. Podsiadly
7. Bartel
8. Taylor
9. Ling
10. Johnson
11. Mackie
12. Ottens
13. Lonergan
14. Duncan
15. Stokes
16. Chapman
17. Christensen
18. Hawkins
19. Wojcinski
20. J. Hunt
21. Varcoe
22. West

 

[GFC123]

James Kelly has been my favourite player since 2004, and i remember when he broke his leg in Perth against West Coast, was absolutly devastated. I play footy and i look up to Kelly, love the way he goes about it, an absolute gun, was fantastic in 2010 and even better in 2011. Well done Kelly