Geelong midfielder James Kelly will bid farewell to the supporters and the club on Saturday when he runs out for the 273rd time in the navy and white hoops against Adelaide at Simonds Stadium.
Kelly spoke of the gratitude he has for the club and those that have made the past 14 years so memorable.
“The overwhelming feeling I have at the moment is I just feel really grateful, grateful for the people I’ve met, grateful for all the fun we’ve been able to have,” Kelly said.
“I want to thank all the players that I’ve played with, it’s hard to individualise but everyone I’ve played with has made me the player that I am and made me a better player than I could have been anywhere else.
“And most of all I thank the footy club for the opportunity to be able to do something that I love for a long period of time. Have success and meet people that I’ll know for the rest of my life and be friends with for the rest of my life.”
Geelong coach Chris Scott, who has been at the helm for 102 of Kelly’s 272 games, paid tribute to Kelly and said he expects the supporters to provide a fitting farewell.
“Kel has always been able to play a variety of roles and put the team’s needs first,” Scott said.
“He has been a leader within the club and one of the people that younger players could look to in the professional manner that Kel went about preparing and playing the game. Kel will always hold a special place with his team mates, coaches, staff and supporters.
“I’m sure our supporters will give James the send-off he deserves this weekend. It is an opportunity to thank Kel for everything he has given the club over 14 seasons. James record with the club speaks for itself. He has been an integral element of the success we have enjoyed. James should be extremely proud of the contribution he has made to the club."
A veteran of three premiership campaigns, Kelly was originally drafted by the Cats with the 17th selection in the 2001 national draft. He debuted, alongside fellow first gamer Steve Johnson, in round 6 of 2002 at the Gabba against the Brisbane Lions. Kelly sits ninth on the club’s all times games list and equal fourth in most finals (22) played.
Kelly earned All Australian honours in 2011, and represented Victoria in 2008. He finished third in the best & fairest in 2010 and also played in the international rules series against Ireland in 2011 winning the Jim Stynes medal.
Kelly career highlights include:
· TAC Cup premiership with Calder Cannons in 2001
· Selected by Geelong with 17th pick in 2001 national draft
· AFL debut in rd 6 2002 against the Brisbane Lions
· Rising Star nomination 2002
· Geelong best first year player 2002
· VFL premiership in 2002
· NAB Cup premiership 2006
· 100th game in rd 17 2007 against Fremantle
· AFL premiership 2007
· Represented Victoria in 2008 at AFL Hall of Fame game
· Geelong Football Club community champion 2008
· AFL premiership 2009
· 150th game in rd 3 2010 against Fremantle
· Third in Geelong best & fairest 2010
· All Australian 2011
· AFL Premiership 2011
· Fourth in Geelong best & fairest 2011
· Jim Stynes medal in 2011 international rules series
· 200th game in rd 8 2012 against Collingwood
· 250th game in rd 19 2014 against North Melbourne
