"EVERY day." That's how often Riddells Creek-raised Geelong half-back flanker James Kelly dreamed about becoming an AFL footballer and tasting premiership success.
The 25-year-old now has two AFL premiership medallions to add to his rapidly expanding collection, including flags with the Calder Cannons in the Under-18 TAC Cup and Geelong in the Victorian Football League.
He has proved a pivotal member of an awesome Cats team that surely goes down in history as one of the greatest after sewing up a second flag in three seasons with a dramatic come-from-behind win over St Kilda at the MCG on Saturday.
Kelly knows dreams can come true. He's living proof.
"The thing about dreams is they're always there and I am just fortunate that I get to live out my dream," he said after a pulsating season-decider.
Admitting he "wasn't the best junior footballer going around", Kelly strived hard to reach the upper echelon.
The fiercely determined No. 9 can be thrilled with his achievements since being drafted in 2001.
Kelly stood up under immense pressure to play a valuable role as Geelong grabbed the ultimate prize.
He displayed toughness on the backline to collect eight kicks and 10 handballs as well as, crucially, applying eight tackles to play a big part in the Cats' glorious day.
The 147-game player received pats on the back after the match from family and friends for his brilliant performance.
"It's an unbelievable feeling," he said with a smile, his premiership medallion dangling around his neck.
"You have to pinch yourself for it to sink in.
"It's everything you work for, all the preseason, all the weights and everything, it just all rolls into one big thing.
"It's indescribable really."
Kelly grew up in Riddells Creek and played with the local team in the Riddell District Football League.
At age 13, his family moved to Sunbury.
A shift to Salesian College for his schooling naturally swayed him to seek a clearance to play for Rupertswood, which uses the Salesian school ground for home matches.
His passion for football was driven by his older cousins, but his idea of seeking a professional career in the sport was put into his mind by junior coach and mentor Stewie Grant.
"He coached me in the under-16s and gave me a lot of confidence to go out and play the game and it went from there," Kelly said.
"He was a huge support and from there the ball started rolling."
An invitation to the Cannons proved fruitful.
Kelly was named on a wing in the team of the decade and showed from an early age he was a big-game player, winning a premiership in his final year of under-18s.
He was thankful for the guidance of Cannons coach Robert Hyde and regional manager Ross Monaghan.
"There are great people and a great program - a lot of great players come from there," Kelly said.
"I can't speak highly enough of what they're doing down there."
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