LEEDERVILLE Oval in WAFL action, round 19, 2015.

A handful of recruiters were dotted amongst the crowd of 2636 to watch a former Fremantle and Hawthorn-listed midfielder pick up a lazy 35 touches and boot three goals for Subiaco.

Three months later he would have his name read out by an AFL club in a draft for the third time.

On the other side, the No.8 who zipped in and out of stoppages, was clean in possession and had enjoyed his 21st birthday a week earlier was gaining admirers – both on and off the field.

The midfielder from South Fremantle was overlooked in the draft that year and the year after that.

But in November 2017, Geelong's recruiting mastermind Stephen Wells finally gave in to the West Australian's body of work to part with pick 24 and invest in his third WAFL mature-age gem.

For Sam Menegola, what he sees on a weekly basis from Tim Kelly at GMHBA Stadium is no surprise after the talent he witnessed first-hand that day in the West.

"It just makes you smile," Menegola said after Geelong's win over Collingwood on Sunday.

"Even four or five years ago you could see some of those real silky, composed traits and he was strong through the hips.

"I think he was probably a few years late on getting drafted than what he should've been.

"Some of the footy he played, even when I was back there in the WAFL, I thought he was absolutely an AFL player.

"I've been a quiet fan for a long time. To see him get drafted here I was really pleased. I love that I get to run alongside him and see him doing it."

Wells' success with mature-age stars from the WAFL dates back to Harry Taylor's arrival from East Fremantle, before Menegola and Kelly.

Add local recruit Tom Stewart, who continues to flourish, and Mark Blicavs, who last week signed a five-year deal, Wells has proven he's got more tricks than his boom period from 1999-2001.

While Kelly has put a contract extension beyond 2019 on hold, Menegola said his teammates were doing all they could to create the right environment as he adapts to life in Geelong with a young family.

"Both the club and Tim should be really proud of that," Menegola said.

"He's taken it really well and he's just very relaxed, composed customer and very focused on his footy.

"I think the club's done everything they can to make it easy for him. The boys have tried to make that transition a bit easier for him."

And as for the secret in Geelong's prosperous mature-age history.

"Just look at our leaders, they're the guys we're learning off," Menegola said.

"(There's) not many that would provide a better example for guys like me who have come in than Joel, Harry. They're really strong role models."

When Wells heads West this year, names such as 24-year-olds Haiden Schloithe (South Fremantle) and Shane Nelson (West Perth) will jump off the page.

Who knows, Wells may have their round 18 fixture circled on the calendar for his next visit.