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March 15, 2007
Kelly to miss start of season
First Stokes, now James Kelly...
Kelly accepts penaltyGeelong midfielder James Kelly will miss the start of the 2007 AFL season after accepting the penalty handed down by the match review committee.
Kelly accepted a two-match sanction for engaging in rough conduct with Brisbane Lions defender Jed Adcock during last Friday night's NAB Cup semi-final at Telstra Dome.
The penalty is a significant setback for Kelly who had set himself for a big 2007 in the Cats' midfield after a disappointing 2006 during which he struggled for form and consistency.
Kelly will be unavailable for matches against the Western Bulldogs and Carlton.
This is definitely not the start of the season the club, Mark Thompson or James Kelly were looking for.
After a disappointing 2006 the club were definitely hoping for a strong start to the season enabling them to push on and put finals within reach early. Now with Kelly & Stokes out of the first two matches (Stokes will also miss the 3rd game of the season) this puts us behind the eight ball as they are both important midfielders in our rotation.
This has a knock on effect in regards to Bomber Thompson. An unsuccessful season will no doubt see him out the door at the end of the season and he will not be happy losing Kelly on top of Stokes for the beginning of our tilt.
Lastly to James Kelly. Kelly has struggled ever since coming back from a broken leg in 2005. Often criticised for his lazy style and lack of committment the final thing he needed in a possible career defining season is to be sitting on the sidelines in the first couple of weeks due to a reckless act.
Posted by Sammy D at March 15, 2007 11:33 AM
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