Meeting a new coach can be daunting at the best of times, let alone when you are trying to settle in to a new club yourself, but Dogs rookie recruit Jordan Kelly had no such struggle.

The defender was delisted by Hawthorn after three years where he worked closely with Dogs coach Luke Beveridge, the former backline coach at the Hawks.

“I think I had a good relationship with him at the Hawks,” said Kelly.

“Bevo’s a really nice guy, he’s really easy to approach, you can ask him questions (about) how you’re going on the track and how you can improve your game.”

PLAYER PROFILE: Click to view rookie Jordan Kelly's player profile.

Beveridge wasn’t the only familiar face at the Club, with Kelly coming out of the same draft year as several current Bulldogs.

“I knew a few of the guys my age… like Michael Talia, Fletcher Roberts and Clay Smith so it was kind of an easy transition to come in and the boys have been really welcoming, so  I’m loving my time here.”

The 191-cm defender is still to make his AFL debut but after three years within a strong football program at Hawthorn under Beveridge’s watchful eye, Kelly comes hungry for his chance.

“It was obviously disappointing being delisted by Hawthorn but I thought if I kept working hard I’d get another opportunity.

“Hopefully I’ll just make the most of my opportunity and when my time comes take it with both hands.”

Kelly played 20 games with Hawthorn’s VFL affiliate, Box Hill, in 2014 and spent much of the season across half-back, with stints in the forward line and midfield highlighting the 21-year-old’s versatility.

Although only arriving at the Club less than two months ago, Kelly is already exuding positivity about his new home.

“It’s really exciting, I think we’re on the way up, it’s a very good time to be at the Club.”