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Hard Month of Footy Exciting: Kelly
The GIANTS' next month of footy looms as season-defining, but the GIANTS' players have denied feeling any pressure ahead of the first leg of a brutal stretch against Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium.
The GIANTS' next month of footy looms as season-defining, but the GIANTS' players have denied feeling any pressure ahead of the first leg of a brutal stretch against Hawthorn at Spotless Stadium.
The GIANTS, who are 10th on the ladder, face the ninth-placed Hawks on Saturday before clashes with West Coast in Perth, ladder-leaders Richmond at home and Port Adelaide on the road to round out an extremely tough run for Leon Cameron's men.
All four games are must-win, with the GIANTS' chances of forcing their way into the top eight and staying there to qualify for this year's finals series likely to be dashed by any poor performances.
From the outside it looks like a period of high-pressure, cut-throat footy, but star midfielder Josh Kelly said the playing group has a different take.
"We understand what's coming and that's really exciting for us," he said.
"We see it as a real opportunity to put our best foot forward and show why we should be in the finals race.
"We're looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to set ourselves up for the second half of the year."
Kelly has played a major role in helping his side recover from a four-match losing streak that culminated in a 35-point defeat to Essendon at home in round 10 and threatened to end their season.
The club champion and 2017 All Australian missed six straight matches with a groin injury, but returned against the Bombers and has reeled off some outstanding numbers in his four games back.
Kelly has averaged 32.5 possessions, 4.5 tackles, 3.7 clearances and a goal over that period and has spent more minutes on the wing as opposed to playing onball, where the less contested aspect of the position reduces the physical toll on his body around stoppages.
"It's been a bit more of a mix (between wing and midfield) because that's what the team needs, and finding that right balance has been something I've been working on over the past month," Kelly said.
"We have so many good inside midfielders playing that role really well, so for me to let those boys go to work has been great for the team.
"Coming off an injury you always want to come straight back and have an impact, and to do that has been nice.
"I feel like I've slotted back in well, and as a midfield we're always working on building that cohesion and continuity in our football, and there's a real emphasis on keeping each other involved."
While a crippling injury toll has hurt the GIANTS this season, Kelly's form, plus an early return for ruckman Rory Lobb from a back issue, will continue to build confidence amongst the playing group.
In further good news, brilliant forward Toby Greene (foot) and veteran Brett Deledio (calf) ran strongly at training on Friday and could be in the mix to return to the field at some level in the near future.
