Geelong’s Cam Guthrie says teammate Tim Kelly among most-skilled players he’s seen

Most interest about Cat Tim Kelly revolves around the second-year midfielder’s future, but Cam Guthrie isn’t thinking about that as he lavished praise on his star teammate.

Tim Kelly of the Cats is seen in action during the Round 11 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, Saturday, June 1, 2019. (AAP Image/Julian Smith) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

The Tim Kelly appreciation society continues to build by the week.

Once again the second-year Cat was in the votes as he helped engineer a dominant second half to get over Sydney.

With Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield riding shotgun with him, Kelly collected 25 possessions — 15 of those were contested — six clearances, four tackles and a goal.

His performance will ensure he stays at the top of Brownlow betting markets and the AFL Coaches’ Association votes.

Kelly’s output after just 34 games continues to amaze even his own teammates.

“I don’t reckon I have seen anyone as clean with the ball below his knees and in traffic,” Cam Guthrie said. “He is pretty unbelievable.

Tim Kelly is all grace as he kicks for goal. Pic: Michael Klein

“He finishes well too as we saw, he kicked another nice goal tonight.”

Guthrie, 26, has quietly inserted himself back into the Cats midfield rotation after a delayed start to the season because of injury.

“It was frustrating as you don’t want to miss the start of the season obviously,” he said. “But I’m enjoying the role I’m playing at the moment.

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“A lot of our guys are having great years, Danger and Sel (Selwood) again, Mitch (Duncan) and TK are having really solid years.

“Some of our younger guys Brandon Parfitt, James Parsons has been in there the last couple of weeks ... it’s a good mix.

“I know the coaches’ have confidence in me and as a player that is a really good feeling. Hopefully I can keep up the high standard for my teammates.”

Cameron Guthrie adds something different to the Cats midfield group. Pic: AAP

Guthrie said the Cats were ready for the challenge of taking on Richmond at the MCG on Friday night.

“We had a little meeting after the game and (Chris) Scotty enjoyed our efforts tonight and kind of reinforced that point about Richmond on Friday night, which we’re really looking forward to.

“We’re in a good spot and then there is the bye where we’ve got a few days off and it’s a time to refresh the mind and the body.”