Essendon great Matthew Lloyd says defender Jake Kelly is capable of playing a support role for the Bombers in 2022, but doubts whether he’ll hold down a regular spot.
AFL Media’s Mitch Cleary recently reported that Kelly is set to join Essendon as an unrestricted free agent after playing 110 games across eight years at Adelaide.
“If the Bombers are to move forward, they wouldn’t have Kelly playing every game. I think he’s more a support (player),” Lloyd told AFL Trade Radio.
“I loved what Jayden Laverde did this year, I think Laverde went to a new level. (Nick) Hind has added so much to them, James Stewart, they obviously got Zach Reid in the draft who you’d hope would play 22 games.
“So for me, I think Kelly would be a support to the group more so than a key figure if they’re going places.
“It puts pressure on (Aaron) Francis and players like that who have been there but haven’t consolidated (their spot in the team).
“(Mason) Redman came on as well, so it’s going to be a tough backline to break in to.”
Former Carlton list boss Stephen Silvagni thinks the Bombers-bound defender can play an important role in blanketing dangerous opposition small forwards.
Western Bulldogs livewire Cody Weightman kicked four goals in Essendon’s 49-point Elimination Final loss in August.
“I think they’ve obviously targeted him for a specific role,” Silvagni said.
“He’s a real competitor, he’s hard and he can play a role.
“I actually like the move because who is going to be that defender that’s going to lock down that really dangerous small forward? That (Tom) Papley type.
“Sure, they’ve got to play their team defence, but one thing you get from Jake Kelly is effort and he’s tough.
“I reckon he’s cleaned his kicking up, he takes the easy option.
“He’s no superstar, but I think he’ll play every week purely because he’ll do that role to close down that really dangerous small forward.”
Kelly, 26, played 20 of Adelaide’s 22 games during the 2021 season.