West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter reveals Tim Kelly in the mix to play against Richmond
Kelly and the first-year coach made the decision to send the former Cat back to the WAFL this week, with McQualter saying he performed 'above the level' against West Perth.
The 30-year-old, who turns 31 later this month, collected 27 disposals to go with two goals in the defeat and led all comers for clearances with nine.
And given the senior side's young midfield brigade were smoked 53-26 in the clearance contest against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, Kelly's wisened head would be a valuable addition.
'So, Tim and I had a discussion last week just about his form, and we just agreed together it would be beneficial to go back to the WAFL and build up his game again,' McQualter told 7NEWS.
'He played through the midfield in trying conditions, but he played above the level there and had a good game.
'He's a chance for sure, we've clearly got an inexperienced midfield at the moment, and Tim's played a lot of football through that area of the ground, so we'll have a look at it as the week goes on.'
The Eagles made a late charge in the last quarter against the Falcons as Kelly kicked his second major, but the home side answered every question asked of them to emerge as comfortable 29-point winners.
It is understood Kelly was set to be the sub for the trip to Adelaide and could have been influential if injected into the game ahead of the last quarter, as the Eagles gave up another second-half lead to lose to the Power by 26 points.
Kelly returned after one WAFL game against Subiaco after having 20 disposals and a goal when he was dropped earlier this season.
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