AFL

Why Eagles star Tim Kelly dropped himself to the WAFL

May 13, 2026

West Coast veteran Tim Kelly has opened up about the decision to drop himself to the WAFL last year, saying he took that step back to prove he is still an A-grade midfielder.

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Kelly endured a rollercoaster 2025 campaign, with his early struggles in the midfield resulting in a shift to the forward line.

The 31-year-old struggled in the new role, to the extent where he was told ahead of the round 18 clash with the Power in Adelaide that he would be relegated to the tactical sub position.

In a frank and honest chat with coach Andrew McQualter, Kelly requested the chance to play in the WAFL instead - but as a bona fide midfielder.

Kelly tallied 27 disposals and kicked two goals to earn an instant AFL recall.

The former Geelong star has continued his hot form this season, averaging 23.4 disposals and 4.4 clearances to establish himself as a key part of West Coast's on-ball unit.

"I was playing nothing but forward and I probably wasn't having the impact I would have liked," Kelly reflected ahead of Sunday's clash with GWS in Perth.

"It was different to me. It was less ball hunting and more positioning and off-ball running.

"I kind of just said, 'mate, why don't I just go back to WAFL and I'll just work on getting back to playing my best footy around the ball, and I'm happy to fight for my spot in the team as a midfielder'.

"I did that, came back in the side, and I was pretty proud how I finished the year off."

Questions about West Coast's rebuild have intensified in recent weeks following a six-game losing streak.

It's continued a tough period in West Coast's history, with the club winning just twice in 2022, three times in 2023, five times in 2024 and only once last year.

At the start of 2025, Kelly conceded his love of football "hasn't been great over the last couple of years".

Now he wants to set the record straight.

"It just got taken out of context a little bit," Kelly said.

"It was around the time I was getting asked about my contract. It was probably my way of saying it was the furthest thing from my mind.

"What I should have said was I was just keen to help this club get back to winning.

"I feel like although we've only got a couple of wins (this year), there's light at the end of the tunnel.

"I'm really enjoying the process. I absolutely love my footy. I've always loved footy. I'm very grateful doing what I'm doing."