New West Coast Eagles recruit Tim Kelly excited to work alongside Nic Naitanui
Tim Kelly has been on the wrong side of a rampaging Nic Naitanui and the star onballer is looking forward to helping the athletically-gifted ruckman wreak havoc.
As part of Geelong's midfield unit, Kelly saw firsthand on three occasions just how destructive a weapon Naitanui can be.
But it's not his problem any more following his blockbuster trade.
"We knew that he was most likely going to get his hands to it (first)," Kelly told reporters on Wednesday.
"And guys like (Luke) Shuey, (Dom) Sheed and (Elliot) Yeo, they kind of know where the ball is going so they don't really show you too much respect.
Kelly is excited to reap the rewards of a fully healthy Naitanui in season 2020 AAP
"As opposition mids you've just got to play ultra-defensive so I'm looking forward to having that sort of mindset with Nic on my side.
"Being able to dictate is going to be nice."
The Eagles paid a hefty price for Kelly, sending three top 25 picks to the Cats in a complicated trade deal.
Keen to repay that faith, Kelly reported for training two weeks earlier than he was required to.
Kelly has made a flying start to his first pre-season as a member of the West Coast Eagles Getty
The 25-year-old understands his high-profile arrival comes with expectations, but he just wants to help improve an already-strong midfield.
"It's not all about me," he said.
"I'm coming in trying to fit in with this group and try to make it better.
"Hopefully our chemistry evolves over the next couple of months at training and we're ready to go come round one."
Barring any mishaps, Kelly will make his debut for West Coast when they host Melbourne at Optus Stadium in round one.
