GREATER Western Sydney midfielder Josh Kelly believes competition for spots in the team because of the club's new-found depth is the reason behind their stunning start to the 2015 season.
The Giants are fourth on the ladder heading into round nine, having beaten reigning premiers Hawthorn, Carlton and Adelaide on their way to their first three-game winning streak.
Kelly returned to the senior team last week after spending a fortnight in the reserves, and was a first half star against the Crows with 13 possessions and a goal.
The 2013 No.2 NAB AFL Draft pick was given a harsh reminder that the Giants' midfield stocks are at an all-time high when he was dropped to the NEAFL after round five.
"It's tough for spots and that’s the way we want it to be. We've got a whole bunch of blokes in the NEAFL still knocking down the door, so the boys in the ones have to keep playing well to hold their spot," Kelly told AFL.com.au.
"There's pressure coming from the NEAFL every week. Boys like Jed Lamb and Jack Steele are putting their hands up every week."
Kelly started the season brightly, averaging almost 23 possessions a game in the first three rounds before he started as the sub against Gold Coast in round four.
The silky left-footer managed 11 touches against the Suns, but a quiet game against in the Giants' 87-point loss to West Coast the following week meant he was axed to the reserves.
The 20-year-old responded by amassing 75 possessions in his two NEAFL games.
While Kelly might have been extremely unlucky to lose his position in the GWS team, his message from coach Leon Cameron was a simple one.
"He just said go back, get a bit of confidence and have a run around in the midfield and do you best, so I just took it on board and tried to work hard," Kelly said.
The Giants' spread of quality runners has made it tough to secure a spot in the on-ball division, but Kelly credits his fellow midfielders for making him a more complete player and fast-tracking his development.
"Guys like Dylan Shiel and Adam Treloar have taken their game to a new level this year, so they help me during the week and are always trying to make me better, so it's good," Kelly said.
With a 6-2 start to the season, there is significant buzz surrounding the Giants' chances of a maiden finals campaign, but Kelly and the rest of the club aren't daring to dream just yet.
"Obviously with a few more wins there's a bit more belief, but we know we've got a long way to go before we start talking finals," Kelly said.
"We've got a lot to focus on and a lot of areas to improve on as well, so hopefully if we keep consolidating those areas we'll be up there towards the end of the year."
