2008 Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney is concerned that boom West Coast recruit Tim Kelly won’t live up to the high expectations that he set at Geelong.
Kelly starred in his two seasons for the Cats before having his wish to return to Western Australia granted in a blockbuster deal during last year’s trade period.
The 25-year-old signed a lucrative long-term contract with the Eagles but is still in the process of adapting to his new surroundings following an interrupted start to the COVID-19-hit season.
“(I’m) not sure he is going to live up to the expectation that he set at Geelong,” Cooney told SEN Drive.
“I just have a bad feeling about this one long-term. I’m hoping it’s just the COVID-19 stuff or maybe it takes a little bit of time to gel.
“It’s just a gut feel. I’m just hoping for the price that they paid, that he’s not a bust.
“The best players in our game adjust and adapt to any situation and for what they gave up for him and the finances that they are paying him, he’s got to be up there with the best midfielders in the competition.”
Kelly is averaging 19.5 touches per game with West Coast sitting 16th on the ladder following three consecutive defeats.
The Eagles haven’t won since the season restarted following the COVID-19-enforced shutdown.