James Kelly may go on again with Essendon after first season gets off to flying start
JAMES Kelly’s chances of playing on next season are likely to be boosted if Essendon retains all of its suspended stars.
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JAMES Kelly’s chances of playing on next season are likely to be boosted if Essendon retains all of its suspended stars.
The Bombers could not be more impressed with the triple-premiership player, who won an AFL lifeline when he signed as a top-up player in January after being delisted by Geelong.
The Dons are confident of holding all 12 of their banned players.
But if several big names did not return, Kelly would be more likely to go given the Bombers would be less likely to seriously challenge in 2017.
Kelly, 32, was physically battered when he finished at the Cats last season but after freshening up he has enjoyed a sharp spike in performance under coach John Worsfold.
He has been the clear pick of the 10 top-ups and is averaging a career-high 103 SuperCoach points.
Kelly is averaging five more disposals this season and is almost regarded as an on-field coach given the direction he offers Worsfold’s clutch of youngsters.
Kelly sits on 279 career games and barring injury a bonus season would see him celebrate the 300 milestone.
Kelly’s manager, Kam Simsek of Strategic Management, said he was yet to discuss the prospect of playing on with his client but the 2011 All-Australian would only continue for the right reasons.
Simsek said Kelly was loving life at Tullamarine after a “premature” end to his Geelong days.
“He’s a competitive beast (and is) really, really enjoying it,” Simsek said.
In the first quarter of Sunday’s loss to Carlton Kelly spent several minutes offering guidance and encouragement to struggling forward Joe Daniher on the bench.
There has been some confusion as to whether clubs would be allowed to sign Essendon top-up players as delisted free agents if they are passed up in November’s national draft.
But the AFL confirmed to the Herald Sun on Monday night that the top-ups can only join AFL lists for 2017 via selection in the national or rookie drafts.
The Bombers do not have priority access to any of their late signings.
The Bombers are thrilled with the attitude of all their top-up players and are expected to seriously discuss their prospects beyond this season at about Round 19.
There are several scenarios which could impact decisions, including what players the Bombers bring in during October’s trade period.
Delisted Tigers defender Matthew Dea has also impressed but is likely to be passed by the returning Michael Hibberd and expected emergence of injured No. 6 draft pick Aaron Francis.
The Bombers re-signed All-Australian defender Cale Hooker for five years last week and are confident of reaching terms with fellow swingman Michael Hurley.
Chief executive Xavier Campbell said on Sunday that any compensation claims lodged by the suspended players would not impact their return to the club.
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