Andrew Gaff has lauded star teammate Tim Kelly’s “unbelievable” form, and believes West Coast has “struck gold” with an emerging generation of onballers eager to learn and improve.

Gaff has had a front row seat to Kelly’s red-hot run, with the silky ball-winner picking up 32, 33 and 36 disposals in the past three games, while averaging 12 contested possessions, eight score involvements and a goal.

Kelly, who is set for a meeting against his former Geelong teammates during Gather Round at Adelaide Oval on Sunday, has been setting a high standard for the Eagles’ youthful engine room to follow.

“He’s been unbelievable, Tim. Very proud and happy with how he’s played these last three weeks,” Gaff said as he helped launch Foodbank’s Million Meals Challenge.

“Really stepped up and I think his whole pre-season form has been like that.

“We all probably didn’t have a great one in round one but the way he’s responded has been quality. He’s a quality player and up against his old team this weekend I’m sure he’ll be exactly the same.

“He provides so much hard work and burst through the middle.”

Gaff has also found his groove in recent weeks with longer stints in midfield amid the absences of Luke Shuey, Dom Sheed and Elliot Yeo.

The 256-game veteran laid a career-high nine tackles against Melbourne, alongside 24 disposals, backing up a strong RAC Derby performance.

Energised playing alongside the likes of Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett and Jai Culley in the middle, Gaff is thriving passing on his knowledge and trying to lead by example.

“I love being around the ball and I love working with the younger guys,” he said.

“They’re so keen to get better and they really take on older guys’ advice. We love guys that are so keen to learn and get better.

“We’ve struck gold with a lot of our young guys, especially this year.”

Gaff, 30, was confident the team was showing signs of a playing style that can stack up with the AFL’s best teams, without sustaining that across four quarters.

The Eagles took positives from their competitive opening half against Melbourne, but were disappointed in the final margin.

“I think the fans would’ve seen some real growth in certain individuals, young guys, but also as a team we’re bridging the gap between where we were last year and where we’ve got to go against the best teams,” he said.

“The second half was pretty poor and we fell away but definitely a few positives to take out and another great challenge this weekend against Geelong who look like they’re back to somewhat near their best.

“We’ve got to do a lot to not only be competitive but to give us a chance of winning.”

A key to victory this Sunday will be shutting down Geelong dangermen Tom Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron in attack.

Cameron, in particular, is in supreme goalkicking form with 18 majors in four matches – including bags of seven against Hawthorn and Carlton, respectively.

“I think he’s probably the best player in the competition at the moment,” Gaff said of Cameron.

“Whoever is on him is going to have a pretty tough day and will need a bit of help from everyone.

“Him and Hawkins are probably the two best forwards in the competition and if we can minimise their impact somewhat – they’re going to have impact on the game – but if we can minimise that we’re every chance.”