Kelly, who was recruited with pick No.2 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, was injected into Saturday's clash at Etihad Stadium deep into the third quarter and went on to win 12 possessions in 30 minutes of football.
The classy midfielder finished with six contested possessions and three inside 50s, complementing his smooth running game with a willingness to get his hands dirty.
Five talking points: St Kilda v Greater Western Sydney
"Playing as the sub is pretty nerve wracking, but I did a similar thing down in Wagga in the pre-season against St Kilda," Kelly told AFL.com.au.
"I had a little bit of an understanding of what it would be like sitting on the sidelines just waiting for my go, but once you get on you've just got to work hard and try to get involved.
"I've been waiting a long time for this game and to be able to share it with my family and friends who were here was pretty exciting."
Kelly, who used the ball with precision against the Saints, said his instructions from Cameron were to use his running power and get to as many contests as he could.
The Sandringham recruit said avoiding the green vest was not a consideration now that he had kick-started his career.
"I'm not going to think about that, I'm just going to train hard this week and I want get my name up for selection next week," he said.
"I'll do what I can to do that.
"I was happy, but in the end it's not about me and we wanted to get the four points.
"I'm a little bit disappointed and I look forward to next week and having a hard week on the track."
Cameron was full of praise for Kelly, whose father Phil played 61 games for North Melbourne and won two Sandover Medals for East Perth, and was on hand to watch his son's debut.
"When he gets the ball he's got some great poise," Cameron said.
"When you pick your side, sometimes you strategically have a sub and other times it's used when you've got a young kid who is finding his way.
"He did his chances no harm in terms of playing again next week."
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
"Playing as the sub is pretty nerve wracking, but I did a similar thing down in Wagga in the pre-season against St Kilda," Kelly told AFL.com.au.
"I had a little bit of an understanding of what it would be like sitting on the sidelines just waiting for my go, but once you get on you've just got to work hard and try to get involved.
"I've been waiting a long time for this game and to be able to share it with my family and friends who were here was pretty exciting."
Kelly, who used the ball with precision against the Saints, said his instructions from Cameron were to use his running power and get to as many contests as he could.
The Sandringham recruit said avoiding the green vest was not a consideration now that he had kick-started his career.
"I'm not going to think about that, I'm just going to train hard this week and I want get my name up for selection next week," he said.
"I'll do what I can to do that.
"I was happy, but in the end it's not about me and we wanted to get the four points.
"I'm a little bit disappointed and I look forward to next week and having a hard week on the track."
Cameron was full of praise for Kelly, whose father Phil played 61 games for North Melbourne and won two Sandover Medals for East Perth, and was on hand to watch his son's debut.
"When he gets the ball he's got some great poise," Cameron said.
"When you pick your side, sometimes you strategically have a sub and other times it's used when you've got a young kid who is finding his way.
"He did his chances no harm in terms of playing again next week."
Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
