Big name West Coast recruit Tim Kelly finished fifth in last year’s Brownlow Medal and has rarely played a bad game during a brilliant start to his AFL career.

The star midfielder polled 24 votes in last year’s count after being named All-Australian, before finishing runner-up in Geelong’s best and fairest for the second straight year.

Kelly finally had his trade wish granted in October when the Eagles sent two first round and two second round picks to secure the West Australian on a mega five-year deal.

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Round 18

Tim Kelly gets a kick away against Fremantle on the weekend. Source: Getty Images

After collecting 27 disposals against Essendon and 29 disposals against Fremantle in the Marsh Community Series, Kelly will hit Round 1 in red-hot form.

Carlton co-captain Patrick Cripps, reigning Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe and previous winners Dustin Martin, Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Mitchell are all favourites for this year’s award.

But new Eagles skipper Luke Shuey thinks the 25-year-old can win it – not that it will be a focus for the gun recruit.

Luke Shuey poses during AFL Club Captains Day at Marvel Stadium. Source: AAP

“He was top five last year, so he was thereabouts. He is a super talent and very consistent, which I think helps his cause, so he should be in with a chance,” Shuey told foxsports.com.au at the AFL Captains Day on Tuesday.

“It is good to play alongside him and not have to worry about stopping him. He is a super talented player. When you play with guys after playing against him for so long, you get a better appreciation for the little things they do.

“He is going to be really good for us. His ability to kick goals and hit the scoreboard and his work around the ground with contested footy, stoppage work is just elite. He will make us a better midfield and in turn, make us a better team.”

Jeremy McGovern after his return game on Saturday. Source: AAP

Four-time All-Australian Jeremy McGovern returned from heel surgery in Saturday’s final Marsh Community Series game against Fremantle and is set for the season-opener against Melbourne.

“He will be fine for Round 1. Like a few of our guys who missed a bit of summer, we’ve found a way to get minutes into them over the Marsh Series, which has been really good,” Shuey said.

“We will have another hit out this Friday so some that need it will get a bit more of a tune-up and he’ll be ready to for Round 1.”