Josh Kelly says his Giants can still do it from outside top four
JOSH Kelly says missing out on a top four spot won’t stop the Giants in their quest for a first premiership as they prepare to take on Melbourne at the MCG in the perfect dress rehearsal for September action.
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JOSH Kelly says missing out on a top four spot won’t stop the Giants’ in their quest for a first premiership.
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The rising superstar and his teammates take on Melbourne at the MCG in the perfect dress rehearsal for September action in a match which will decide who hosts an elimination final in week one.
The loss to the Swans means GWS will need to beat the Demons and hope Fremantle defeat Collingwood to seal an unlikely double chance but Kelly says it won’t matter if his team are good enough.
“I’m 100 per cent certain we can make an impact from outside the top four,” Kelly told The Saturday Telegraph.
“The Western Bulldogs showed that two years ago. If you’re inside the top eight then you’re a chance. We just have to show up and play the footy we know we’re capable of. Ladder positions won’t matter come the finals it is a clean start, it doesn’t matter if we finish inside or outside the top four.”
Before he was badly concussed by Taylor Walker’s sling tackle two weeks ago Kelly was in supreme form averaging over 30 disposals per game.
Against Carlton he pulled off the rare 40-20-10 stat line which is 40 plus possessions including 20 contested and 10 clearances.
Kelly says Sunday’s high pressure clash against a fellow finalist at the MCG is the perfect way to get back into the swing.
“It starts this week, it’s not a final but it is important,” Kelly said.
“It’s a big game for Melbourne and a dress rehearsal for us. It will be a big finals like game and the intensity will be right up. Melbourne is in good form after they beat West Coast in Perth and the intensity will be right up. It will be the perfect game for us leading into the finals.”
The Giants have decided against risking star defender Zac Williams in the clash against the Demons. Williams made an outstanding return to football in the NEAFL last week.
The 23-year-old’s season looked to over in March when he ruptured his Achilles tendon.
“The temptation was there to bring him in,” Giants coach Leon Cameron said.
“We feel as though he probably needs another game in the reserves. Six months is a long time out of footy.”
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