Triple premiership Cat James Kelly hasn’t let his football boots hang up for too long after playing his first Northern Territory Football League game on the weekend.

Kelly, who retired from AFL football at the end of the season, pulled on the boots for NTFL club Southern Districts in their 67-point win on Sunday.

And whilst the 273 game veteran was quite impressed with the standard of the league which plays their season over summer to coincide with the wet season in the top end, he was thankful for rain that fell during the game.

“It was a bit cool, which made it a bit easier for me, but look, it was good proper footy out there, how footy is supposed to be played,’’ Kelly told the NT News.

“I think footy up here gets underestimated down south a bit, so to be involved in it as a player was very enjoyable.

Kelly was lured to the club by former school mate and Southern Districts captain Matthew Cannard.

“I don’t think we’ve played a game of footy together for 20 years and I loved it, being out there with him again.

“I only came up to play with Matty, so I really enjoyed it, it was a pretty good experience.’’

Kelly’s debut wasn’t the only excitement of the afternoon with a pair of streakers holding up play leading the former Cat to predict a return to the NTFL.

“Shannon (coach Shannon Rusca) was telling me I’ve got to play five games to qualify for the finals, so I’ll have to get back up here to do that.

“I tell you what, if Shannon can promise me a streaker or two every week I’ll probably play.’’