West Coast Eagles’ Tim Kelly: A Passion for Football Reignited
As the final year of his contract with the West Coast Eagles looms, star player Tim Kelly is not preoccupied with negotiations. Instead, he is on a mission to rediscover his love for the game of football, a passion that waned during what he describes as “frustrating” years with the AFL club.
Kelly’s current deal is set to expire at the end of the season, but the seasoned ball-winner has become a focal point in the plans of new head coach Andrew McQualter. With a fresh perspective and a determination to elevate the Eagles from a recent slump, McQualter aims to revitalize the team in 2025.
Having taken over from the departed Adam Simpson last July, McQualter steps into a challenging role following a string of disappointing seasons for West Coast, which has seen them secure just 10 wins over the past three years. Kelly, having experienced the tribulations firsthand, acknowledges the toll it has taken on his relationship with the sport.
Reflecting on his contract situation, Kelly expressed a sense of detachment, emphasizing his focus on personal performance and well-being. “It is probably something that’ll work itself out. My manager works pretty hard in that space,” he explained. “To be honest, for me it’s about honing in on what I’ve got to do, get my body right … my love of the game hasn’t been great over the last couple of years.”
The 30-year-old’s early career was marked by success, with appearances in finals during his tenure with Geelong and an All-Australian accolade. However, the trajectory shifted after his move to West Coast, as the team endured a downward spiral, finishing in the bottom ranks of the league for consecutive seasons.
Acknowledging the collective struggle within the club, Kelly noted, “Everyone here has been working really hard and not getting much reward. It’s been frustrating to say the least but it’s got to turn around eventually.”
Despite the challenges, Kelly finds solace in the guidance of McQualter, a seasoned coach with a background in premiership success with Richmond. Praising the coaching staff’s efforts to rejuvenate the program, Kelly commended the fresh approach and energy they have brought to the team.
“Mini (McQualter) has been great. He and the coaching staff are doing a hell of the job with the program at the moment,” Kelly shared. “Everything is kind of new. It’s the same game but the new language, different game plan and all of that. I’m just enjoying the process at the moment.”
Looking ahead, Kelly is eager to transition from intra-squad scrimmages to competitive matches, starting with his appearance for the Indigenous All Stars against Fremantle. This showcase event serves as a prelude to West Coast’s season opener against Gold Coast on March 16, marking a pivotal moment for Kelly and his teammates.
In the midst of uncertainty and transition, Kelly’s journey embodies resilience and determination. As he navigates the complexities of contract negotiations and team dynamics, his unwavering commitment to rediscovering his passion for football stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the game.