Geelong are looking to return to the winner’s list when they travel to Perth to take on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

First-year midfielder, Tim Kelly, has made an impressive start to his career at the Cats and upon his return to his home-state, believes that the team will need to play their best footy to prevail this weekend.

"We've just got to get back to playing our best footy and make it a contested ball game. Nic Nat's going to be pretty dominant and probably give their midfielders first look but (we've) just got to be able to adapt and adjust."

In just his second senior game, the 23-year-old lined up alongside trio Patrick Dangerfield, Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood in Monday's loss to Hawthorn

"I definitely do pinch myself at times, they're guys who I've sat on my phone and watched highlights of growing up," Kelly said.

"I've got some absolute champions around me and playing with guys like that brings you to another level.

Kelly, a former electrician who was recruited from South Fremantle in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, will fly to Perth on Friday night and return home on Monday, giving him two extra nights with family and friends.

And with his partner and three sons already back home, Kelly said he was excited to return to play at the new Optus Stadium.

"It's going to be good to get back home to spend time with the family," he said.

"Six or seven months leading up to the draft I was working in the city and driving past it (Optus Stadium) every day. Just as I got drafted I think it was ready to go, I'm excited to be back home and can't wait." 

Kelly credited the wives and girlfriends of Cats teammates who have provided a helping hand for he and partner Caitlin to adapt to Geelong with their boys.

Sunday match will kick off at 2.40pm WST (4.40pm EST).