The West Coast Eagles will officially unveil boom off-season recruit Tim Kelly when the club locks horns with Melbourne at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
Kelly, who landed at the Eagles in October following a significant trade period transaction with his former club Geelong, has been named in the starting 18 to take on the Demons, thus guaranteeing the start of his career in blue and gold.
The 25-year-old oozed class during the club’s two Marsh Community Series matches, amassing 27 and 29 disposals against Essendon and Fremantle respectively.
He is set to line up in the centre alongside talismanic ruckman Nic Naitanui and the club’s new skipper, Luke Shuey.
In addition to linking up with Naitanui, Shuey and the likes of dual John Worsfold medallist Elliot Yeo and two-time all-Australian Andrew Gaff, Kelly will also have exciting winger Jarrod Brander as an outlet after he was rewarded with a spot in the starting 18 following an impressive pre-season.
West Coast is in a position to blood another debutant after naming emerging ruck-forward Bailey Williams on an extended bench.
Williams put together a strong showing over the summer months and was rewarded for his efforts with a Marsh Community Series berth against the Bombers at Mineral Resources Park.
The 19-year-old seized his opportunity, amassing 12 disposals, five marks and a goal in an encouraging display against seasoned opponents.
He is one of eight players vying for a spot in the starting 22, the others being Jake Waterman, Tom Hickey, Jack Petruccelle, Jackson Nelson, Will Schofield, Mark Hutchings and Brendon Ah Chee.
West Coast will confirm its final 22 at 2pm tomorrow.
