Feely eager to test himself against best Aussies have to offer

KILDARE midfielder Kevin Feely franked his reputation as a midfielder of outstanding quality with an excellent performance against Dublin in the Leinster final and is now facing an even bigger challenge against the elite of the AFL in Adelaide on Sunday.

Feely will be a key figure in not only counteracting the Australians but also in making enough catches to provide Ireland with consistent forward momentum.

“The standard of kick-passing you have to reach in this game is far beyond what you get in Gaelic football,” Feely said.

“If your pass is off or if the ball bounces where it’s not meant to bounce, the receiver ends up under serious pressure.”

Being chosen for International Rules duty is the latest string to the Athy man’s impressive sporting bow, having also spent three years on the English soccer circuit.

And when the International Rules series is over, his thoughts will turn very quickly to the 2018 season. Early assessments have already taken place in Kildare as Cian O’Neill begins the tuning process for what will be a hugely important season.

“We’ve started meeting up as a squad in the last few weeks. It’s exciting to be among the top eight counties (Kildare were promoted to Division 1) and we’re going to embrace the challenge. We have massive ambition,” he said. Primed: Keith Feely is ready to take on Australia