Kelly's love of the game was brought into question last year following a topsy-turvy campaign that even resulted in him being dropped.
But the 32-year-old turned things around this year, averaging 24 disposals and 4.76 clearances per game to play a crucial role in guiding the club's emerging young stars.
"I've always had a lot of self-belief in my football abilities ... and a lot of self-belief for myself as a footy player," Kelly told AAP.
"Hopefully I put a bit of respect back on my name this year."
When asked whether winning back respect was in regards to people inside or outside the club, Kelly replied: "A bit of both, but probably more the people inside our four walls. I feel like this year was a step in the right direction in terms of that."
West Coast looked to have turned a major corner after starting the year with two wins from their first three games.
But an 11-game losing streak to end the campaign meant West Coast finished with a 4-19 record, marking a sixth straight year without finals.
However, it was still a big step forward from last year's one-win wooden spoon campaign, and there is now a glut of young, emerging stars at West Coast who could form the nucleus of the next premiership side.
"It's not all doom and gloom," Kelly said.
"Yes, the season's done for us boys, and we wish it wasn't. But there's plenty of positives to take out of the season.
"We had a number of guys debut for us throughout the year. I'm excited about those boys becoming second-year players, and then even our second-year players becoming third-year players."
McQualter has posted just five wins from his 46 games in charge at West Coast.
The 40-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season, but Kelly is adamant the former Gold Coast and St Kilda tagger is the right man for the job.
"I think Mini's been great since he's walked in the club," Kelly said.
"He's just always been super consistent, which is something I really like, and absolutely he's the right man moving forward.
"I'm loving having him as our coach, and I'm sure he's going to be a great coach for this club for a long period of time."
West Coast's list cull has already begun, with Harry Barnett, former Hawk Tyler Brockman and Harvey Johnston all cut.
Tom Cole, Noah Long and Jacob Newton were all handed one-year deals, but it remains to be seen whether mid-season recruit Marcus Herbert will accept a two-year offer or return home to Victoria.
