Tim Kelly

Profile
Name: Tim Kelly
Sport: AFL
Team: West Coast Eagles
Bio:
After a standout WAFL career with South Fremantle, including a runner-up finish in the 2017 Sandover Medal, Tim was drafted by Geelong with pick 24 in the 2017 AFL Draft after being overlooked in five consecutive drafts.
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Tim made an immediate impact in his debut AFL season, playing 23 games and averaging 23 disposals (10 contested), 4 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 4 tackles, and 3 marks while kicking 24 goals. His outstanding first year earned him the AFLPA Best First Year Player Award, a second-place finish in Geelong’s Best & Fairest, and 13 Brownlow votes (equal 11th overall).
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Backing up his brilliant debut season, Tim elevated his game further in 2019. He played 25 games, averaging 25 disposals (12 contested), 6 clearances, 4 inside 50s, 4 tackles, and 4 marks while again kicking 24 goals. His accolades included the AFLCA Best Young Player Award, All-Australian selection, and top-five finishes in the Brownlow, AFLPA MVP, AFLCA Player of the Year, and Gary Ayres Medal.
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Seeking a return home to Western Australia, Kelly was traded to the West Coast Eagles in 2019. Since his arrival, he has been a key pillar of the Eagles' midfield, showcasing his clean ball use, composure under pressure, and ability to impact the scoreboard.
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After claiming the 2023 John Worsfold Medal as West Coast’s best and fairest, Tim remained a crucial figure in 2024. He played 20 games, averaging 23.9 disposals despite regular attention from opposition taggers, and formed a strong midfield combination alongside a resurgent Elliot Yeo and exciting young gun Harley Reid. Approaching his 31st birthday, the smooth-moving midfielder still has plenty of high-level football ahead.
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Honours:
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John Worsfold Medal: 2023
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All-Australian: 2019
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AFLPA Best First-Year Player: 2018
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AFLCA Best Young Player: 2019
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Glendinning–Allan Medal: 2021
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Geelong best and fairest: Runner-up in 2018 and 2019
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Brownlow votes: 77
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AFL debut: Round 1, 2018 (Geelong), Round 1, 2020 (West Coast)​​