Two-time All Australian David King has high praise for Geelong's mature-aged recruit Tim Kelly through the first two games of his career.
Kelly has been a star in Geelong's first two games of the 2018 AFL season, able to rack up 27 disposals in both games to go with two goals.
"He's a star this kid," King told SEN Afternoons.
The former electrician has experienced a lot of success in the WAFL, finishing runner-up in the Sandover Medal during his time with South Fremantle and it didn't go unnoticed.
โWhen I saw Tim Kellyโs ball use in the WAFL I thought, โIf this comes with him to AFL level, this high cruising speed but a soft kick," King told SEN Afternoons.
โThey stay low, theyโre piercing but theyโre easy to mark. They are not absolute darts, they are just nicely weighted little punch kicks."
โEvery time he gets the ball I think, โthis is Daniel Wellsโ. You could put the number 8 North Melbourne jumper on him and heโd look exactly the same."
King even pegged Kelly as his prediction for the best performing first year player and is holding him to a high standard with the effort that he has shown in the first two games.
โIโm excited about what Geelong are going to be able to do with this guy."
โI think heโll clearly be the best first-year player this year and heโll have the best impact.โ
Champion Data's Daniel Hoyne joined SEN Afternoons as well to offer his praise for the Geelong newcomer in the midst of his fine early-season form.
Hoyne explained that Kelly is an expert play maker already, being involved in the most scoring opportunities of any player in the AFL so far this year, "he's been involved in 24 scores so far."
โHeโs just creative. Every time you see him with ball in hand, something just happens,โ he said.
โHeโs playing that mid-forward role. 59 percent of game time in the midfield and 41% up forward.
โItโs a pretty hard role to play and heโs averaging 27 disposals which is the second most for his position. Number one for score assists, number two for inside 50s and number four for metres gained for his position.
โHe is that perfect player for that position who can compliment those three and four midfielders extremely well.โ
