For Tim Kelly, a year really has been a long time in football.

The 23-year-old has gone from an apprentice electrician who had to balance his football with his full-time job to an AFL player who will make his debut this year if everything goes to plan.

Speaking in an exclusive column for aflplayers.com.au, Kelly reflected on what had been a life-defining 12 months.

“It’s crazy to see how much things have changed for me in the last 12 months. Everything has come together at the one time.” Kelly said.

“I became a father again recently, with my partner giving birth to beautiful, healthy twin boys on the 30^th of December and that capped off a whirlwind few months.

“A year ago, I was just another WAFL player looking to make the next step.

“After years of nominating for the draft and the heartbreak of rejection each time, I knew 2017 was going to be somewhat of a last chance.”

With advice from recruiters, coaches and everyone else, Kelly took to the 2017 WAFL season with one thing in mind, getting drafted.

“I’d made a lot of effort in recent years to return to pre-season training at South Fremantle in great shape so I’d be able to build on my fitness as opposed to returning to the level I’d left at the previous season.”

“Things like eating better and staying active are small changes that made a whole lot of difference in the long term — building that professionalism was a way to get better.

“I knew evolving my game and becoming a goal-kicking midfielder and building consistency would help my chances. I wanted to kick 20 goals for the year, averaging a goal per match, and managed to achieve that by the end of the season.”

The Cats are famously coy with potential draftees, happy to let them know their interest but never with guarantees on being picked up. For Kelly this played out throughout the season.

“Geelong were interested since around mid-year but it wasn’t until a follow-up call from recruiter Troy Selwood two weeks before the draft that I realised the Cats were serious. But there was still uncertainty.”

“On draft day, I had my parents and my partner’s parents around at our house for a barbeque. When it got to pick 24, I had a funny feeling it could’ve been the one.

“I even turned to my partner and said, ‘I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they selected me right here,’ and on cue, my name was finally read out.”

And for Kelly, despite having to temporarily leave his partner, three year old son and new twins in Perth whilst he gets settled in Geelong, he couldn’t be happier with his new environment.

“The club and my teammates couldn’t have been more supportive so far.”

“Training has been exactly how I imagined it and, if anything, it’s made life a bit easier.

“I’m a realist and understand I haven’t accomplished anything in the game yet.

“While it’s important to reflect on the extended journey I’ve had to get to the AFL, I want to play on the big stage.

“Whether it’s Round 1 or Round 20, I’m here to play so I’ll definitely be putting my hand up with respect to the quality of players around me who all want the same thing.”