Josh Kelly’s 2016 was a coming of age season; just like the GIANTS’.

In his third season at the club, the 21-year-old averaged more disposals, tackles, clearances, inside 50’s and bounces than ever before.

The outside midfielder didn’t miss a game in 2017 and polled his first Brownlow Medal votes (six), while he was named in the initial AFL Player’s 22under22 squad.

 “I developed a bit which was good,” Kelly said.

“I was able to play through the midfield a bit more which was something I wanted to build into… but I still have a lot more to improve on.”

Kelly averaged 23.58 disposals in 2016, impressive considering he was part of an experienced and star-studded midfield that included Callan Ward, Stephen Coniglio, Lachie Whitfield, Dylan Shiel, Tom Scully and Ryan Griffen.

Kelly believes the ever-rising standards of the midfield forced him to improve his own game.

“We’ve all improved as a group and I guess I just jumped on board,” he said.

“The help of our coaches, Luke Power, Lenny Hayes and Dean Brogan has be fantastic this year.”

Kelly said having a steady core group of players had a great impact on the GIANTS throughout the season.

“There was a lot of consistency being able to play with the same bunch of boys each week so I think we’re really starting to gel together,” he said.

 “We really started to mesh this year and play to each other’s strengths.

“We’ve got inside players and a mix of inside-outside players and just being able to know that, and understand what each of us are capable of is something we’ve really improved on.”

The 21-year-old admits that achieving 16 wins in the home and away season seemed a long way off after the GIANTS’ opening round, two point loss to Melbourne at the MCG.

“After round one I ‘ve thought maybe we’re not advancing the way we want,” he said.

“But credit to us and the coaches, we bounced back after that and I think it really brought the group together.”

Despite his and the GIANTS’ improvement in 2016, Kelly has echoed the sentiments of his team-mates following the shattering six point Preliminary Final loss to the Bulldogs, saying the pain will drive him in 2017.

“We’re not putting any limits on what we can do, it’s an exciting time for the club,” he said.

“We’ve got a good opportunity next year and we’ll hit pre-season hard.”