New Essendon recruit James Kelly is confident this season can help the development of his younger teammates.

Kelly is the latest Essendon signing, after Ryan Crowley joined the Club earlier this week.

The 32 year old was a part of Geelong’s rise up the ladder that culminated in three premierships in five years.

In his final season at the Cats, Kelly played 17 games and averaged 20 possessions.

He expects this season to further enhance the resilience of the Essendon playing group.

“Obviously they’ve got to work through a lot, they’ve got to go through it together,” Kelly said. 

“We all have to go through it together now.

“So I think without them knowing, they’ll be becoming quite resilient throughout the course of the season.

“I think that’s one thing that young groups don’t appreciate – when it gets hard, once you get through those times, you’re always better for it out the other side. 

“Twelve months from now, without even knowing, they’ll look back and think we’ve been through something special together, and it’ll bring the group tighter together.”

Kelly was recruited from the Calder Cannons and joined the Cats with the 17^th pick in the 2001 draft.

“It’s sort of come full circle a little bit,” he said.

“Mum and Dad are just in Sunbury which is 20 minutes up the road which is good.

“I was an Essendon supporter as a kid, so it feels a bit surreal being around here. 

“It’s exciting.”

Kelly commenced training with his new teammates on Friday.