Generally, all of the midfielders welcomed the return of Nic Naitanui from a 12-week absence with a knee injury, as he so often gave them first look at stoppages.
All due respect to developing big men Callum Jamieson and Bailey Williams, who shouldered the burden admirably between rounds five and 16, but Naitanui’s physical presence and deft tap work made life a little easier for the men at the coalface.
Of those midfielders trying to win the ball at ground level, Kelly clearly appreciated being at the feet of the imposing Naitanui as he produced a remarkable 40-possession performance – the most of any player on the ground.
Of his 19 kicks, 21 handballs and four marks, 17 of those touches were contested. Kelly’s nine clearances were bettered only by Luke Shuey (11), while others to excel in the engine room included Jack Redden and first-gamer Zane Trew.
Kelly was probably the single most influential player on the game, considering 10 score involvements, which included two goals and 517 meters gained (Jamie Cripps gained an incredible 637 meters with ball in hand) and his contribution was nothing short of remarkable.
