Geelong assistant coach James Kelly has been hugely impressed by Bailey Smith’s leadership so far
A Geelong mentor has proposed how State of Origin could work in the future, while revealing the biggest thing that’s impressed him with the club’s number one recruit.
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If State of Origin was to return to the AFL, it should be more in the spirit of the NBA All Star game rather than a “big rivalry” of the NRL’s version, a Geelong assistant coach believes.
James Kelly said on Friday the Indigenous All Stars v Fremantle game last Saturday was a perfectly-time showcase played in the right spirit.
Key Cats Lawson Humphries and Tyson Stengle ventured west for the match in Perth.
When asked if he was a supporter of bringing back State of Origin, Kelly said the key aspect was ensuring the match was a “bit of a spectacle and a celebration rather than a big rivalry”, which would reduce the risk of injury.
“It’s always in the back of your mind, I hope our best players don’t get hurt,” Kelly said.
“I think there’s a few gentlemen’s agreements out there (with regards to) guys going back with the flight, protecting people’s legs.
“As long as the tone of the game is like that, I think clubs would feel comfortable.
“If it’s just a bit of a celebration and a spectacle ... more like the NBA All Star game rather than the rugby league NRL.
“I think clubs are more open to it, a bit more fun, a bit more scoring, less injuries would be beneficial for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Kelly said he had been pleasantly surprised by the level of leadership from new recruit Bailey Smith, who influenced other players by “osmosis” to take part in additional craft work before training sessions.
“One thing I probably underestimated was his leadership, he’s got a really good way about him of taking guys on the journey with him, he’s really diligent, really professional,” he said.
“He’s been great, I feel like he’s fit into the group really well.
“He’s got a lot of energy, he’s a good person.
“I find him really easy to coach.”
Kelly said the Cats would rely on Smith to play in a variety of positions, from midfield, wing to an offensive option.
“We like to have secondary and third positions they can play in,” he said.
“He’ll go through the midfield, wing, halfback, he can kick goals as a forward.
“We like to think his best position is always evolving.”
Kelly also praised the pre-seasons of fringe players Mitch Knevitt and Connor O’Sullivan and expected them to press hard for selection in 2025.
O’Sullivan produced a strong showing against Hawthorn in a match simulation at Kardinia Park last week, collecting 17 possessions and 10 marks.
Knevitt also picked up 21 touches, behind only Max Holmes for total possessions.
“The main one for me would be Mitch Knevitt, Connor O’Sullivan,” he said.
“I thought (O’Sullivan) looked much stronger in the contest (against Hawthorn), he looked like he was playing with a lot more freedom.
“Playing like a top 10 draft pick ... he knows he’s good enough
“For him it’s about waiting for an opportunity and taking it when it comes.”
He also said Jack Henry would hit the season in stronger shape than last year following his battle with dual foot injuries across 2022 and 23.
Originally published as Geelong assistant coach James Kelly has been hugely impressed by Bailey Smith’s leadership so far
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