TIM KELLY'S poised performances at Geelong are earning rave reviews, but the former South Fremantle star's seamless transition into AFL ranks has also left many WAFL watchers scratching their heads.
Kelly enjoyed a brilliant 2017 with the Bulldogs, booting 26 goals and averaging 26 disposals as a damaging midfielder in one of the state league's powerhouse teams.
There is no doubt the 23-year-old had the form on the board over a number of years to be fully deserving of having his named called by the Cats at pick 24 overall in last year's NAB AFL Draft.
But while Kelly was given the chance to chase his AFL dream, his South teammate Haiden Schloithe was surprisingly overlooked by all 18 clubs, despite pipping Kelly for both the Sandover Medal and club champion.
The fact Schloithe had previously spent 2012 and '13 on Fremantle's rookie list without playing a game might have counted against him, while the midfield bull's tank has also been questioned.
But South Fremantle coach Todd Curley believes AFL clubs made a mistake passing on the 24-year-old.
"Sometimes the AFL clubs can focus on what they don't do more than what they can do," Curley told AFL.com.au.
"It's probably harder for Haiden because he's been in the system before and been spat out.
"But I've got no doubt if he got the opportunity he'd be able to perform really well at AFL level.
"Unfortunately, he didn't, and to his credit he's got over that disappointment and is training fantastically with us.
"Hopefully, if Tim continues to have a great year it helps those other mature-age guys get another opportunity."
Schloithe freely admits he wasn't ready for professional football when he was drafted by the Dockers only 12 months after moving to Perth from small country town Katanning.
But the 85kg wrecking ball was devastating in the WAFL last year, averaging 28 touches and bagging 30 goals in 22 games.
"He could certainly hold his own (in the AFL) as a permanent forward and also play inside mid and have a great impact on games," Curley said.
"He can generate possessions, bring his teammates into the game but also really hurt teams on the scoreboard if he gets a look."
Curley, who played 118 games for the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood, has been thrilled but not especially surprised by Kelly's unflustered introduction to the elite level.
The 183cm Cat has had 27 touches and booted a goal in both of his games so far, and looked at home in front of more than 73,000 fans at the MCG in an Easter Monday thriller against Hawthorn.
Ironically, Kelly is being lauded for his kicking – with David King comparing him to a young Daniel Wells – although his foot skills once concerned recruiters.
"Going back a while the knock on Tim Kelly was that his kick needed to improve, now everyone's saying he's an elite kick," Curley said.
"We never had any doubt that he'd be doing everything he possibly could to maximise his chance and be the best player he can be.
"It helps he's got a lot of good players around him, but … it probably shows where he is maturity wise.
"He's a bit older, has got a family and, while footy is super-important, going home to three small kids every day would keep you grounded.
"But he just seems to have a knack of getting where the ball is. His cruising speed is probably a bit higher than most as well which helps him get around.
"There's no doubt he's playing with confidence at the moment and hopefully it continues."
