Kelly keeping it in the family for debut
FOR the Kellys, the Tigers certainly are the family club.
Patrick Kelly, 19, will make his TSL senior debut today against North Hobart at the Twin Ovals, but Patrick has Tigers DNA in his system. As well as being a Tiger since under-8s, dad Martin is on the board, mum Melissa is a trainer and younger brother Sam, 16, is also playing in the underage teams.
“My whole family is always around the club, so it is good,” Patrick said.
“With Mum being a trainer, if I go down she’s the first one there.
“Mum was on the phone pretty quick to the family when I told her I was making my debut so hopefully there are a few there supporting me.”
Patrick said he was also benefiting from training and learning alongside fellow midfielder Kieran Lovell, with Lovell landing at the Tigers after three years at Hawthorn. “He’ll give me tips around the contest, where to stand, where not to stand, what to do when I get the ball, just footy smarts he’s brought that into my game,” he said.
“I’m pretty good friends with him now so to have him there when we are building a developing side and what he brings and the experience he brings around the boys and the boys love him, so it is awesome.”
Patrick spent some of his debut eve at the Royal Hobart Hospital paediatrics and neonatal wards handing out hot cross buns and Easter eggs to unwell children.
He said to make his debut on Good Friday only added to the occasion.
“It is an awesome game to be making it, Good Friday is probably one of the bigger games of the year,” Patrick said.
“Getting a chance to run out with the club is exciting.”