Ben and Jackson Kelly, sons of Swans great Paul Kelly, ready for SANFL season with Central District
The sons of Sydney Swans great and Brownlow Medallist Paul Kelly – Ben and Jackson – are ready to ‘crack in’ at Central District this SANFL season.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Knee injury shatters Bulldog’s AFL dream
- How to get the most out of your Advertiser digital subscription
“If you’re not coming off with a bit of blood, you haven’t had a crack.”
Those words, uttered by Sydney Swans great and Brownlow Medallist Paul Kelly, have stuck Ben Kelly’s head.
Ben is Paul’s younger son, and one of Central District’s latest recruits.
The 21-year-old midfielder said he lacked a bit of hunger to win the ball as a youngster.
Stream over 50 sports live and on demand with KAYO SPORTS. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly here >
Despite not remembering too much of his father’s playing days – Ben was four when Paul retired – it’s those words of advice that helped him develop a love for contested ball.
He was determined to bring that to the Bulldogs.
“I always played (footy), but when I got to about 19, 20-years-old, I really started taking it a bit more seriously and wanted to improve,” Ben says.
“Our family doesn’t push anything on to us, but then I came to an age where I said to dad ‘help me out a bit’.
“He would always tell me to have a crack (and) if you’re not coming off with a bit of blood, you haven’t had a crack.
“It was that sort of mentality from his era and it took me a bit too learn it because it didn’t come naturally for me.
“Two or three seasons ago he really drove it into me because I wanted to be better.”
Ben and his older brother Jackson, 23, signed with Central in November after playing for Wagga Tigers in the Riverina Football League last season.
Ben featured in 15 matches for Wagga in 2019 and booted five goals.
But was hampered by hamstring injuries that kept him on the sidelines for Wagga’s grand final win.
Jackson played 16 matches, including the grand final, and kicked 14 goals.
Their father’s glittering career included 234 AFL games for the Swans, kicking 200 goals, winning the 1995 Brownlow Medal, and earning All-Australian honours from 1995 to 1997.
He also captained Sydney from 1993 to 2002.
Jackson, a wingman, is keen to create his own path and is focused on helping the Bulldogs climb back to the top of the SANFL ladder.
“I remember going to a few of dad’s games,” he says.
“I remember going into the huddle and singing the song every now and then.
“I reckon dad will come down to watch a few of our games.
“The guys at Central are really welcoming and the training is of a high standard, so I’m looking forward to it.”