Tim Kelly has been waiting a long time for the chance to star in the big games.

The 23-year-old has been playing against men since he was 15, readying himself for his opportunity.

 And now, as the 24^th selection in last year’s draft told the Geelong Advertiser, he’s ready to take his chance.

 “For a long time I’ve wanted to play in the big games and in front of the big crowds,” he said.

 “I’m looking forward to the crowds getting bigger and the games getting bigger.”

And there are few bigger games than Easter Monday at the MCG.

Kelly is wary of a Hawks outfit brimming with class.

 “I watched parts of their game [in round one], I didn’t take too much out of it, but no doubt they’re still a quality side.

 “Cyril looked good, so did a lot of their veterans, they can still play and are great players — they’ve been great players for a long time — so it’s going to be a massive challenge and I’m just looking forward to it.”

 Kelly survived and thrived in the acid test of round one at the MCG.

 “I just wanted to come in and play my role, and I was able to have a significant impact so I was happy with my debut and happy to get the win,” he said.

“…It was a bit of a step up in terms of how quick the ball moves and the endurance that you’ve got to have but other than that I felt very comfortable and very confident in my preparation leading up to the game.”

The West Australian hopes his performance against the Demons is only the beginning.

 “The challenge for me now is to be able to have a similar impact week in, week out, and that is probably something that has been a challenge for me for a number of years now, even throughout WAFL level, so for me it’s just about continuing to get better, it’s only one game, and no doubt the team will take a lot out of the game and find ways to improve and so will I personally.”