Caring father forced to miss training in finals

TIM Kelly was forced to miss training in the finals to care for his young children, it has been revealed.

Kelly’s manager, Anthony van der Wielen, yesterday provided an insight into the challenges facing the Cats midfielder and his partner, Caitlin Miller, as they raise their three kids without the support of the Western Australian family. The couple have three children — Tykeem, 2½, and nine-month-old twins Tariq and Trey.

“The week of the final, Tim wakes up in the morning, ready to go to training, and all three kids were sick, so he couldn’t just leave home and go to training, so he actually missed a training session,” van der Wielen said.

“Geelong were great. They sent the club doctor around. The kids were all sorted out. Tim trained later in the day, but without mums and dads, brothers and sisters, aunties and uncles, things like that to back you up, (it can be hard).

“They’re just keen to get home. If it can be done, that’d be great, if it can’t, he’ll play at Geelong again next year.”

The situation highlights the lengths Geelong is prepared to go to help the family feel comfortable away from home.

“Tim and Caitlin both really wanted to stay in Geelong if they really could and it’s not a decision that’s been taken lightly, there’s been a hell of a lot that has gone into it,” van der Wielen said.

“The club have been fantastic. Let’s hope something can be done. We’re not walking in and banging our fists on the table and saying something has to be done.

“We’re just asking for a little bit of compassion and probably keep everyone happy by sending Tim and his family home.”