Delisted Collingwood utility Will Kelly has reportedly joined Sydney for the coming VFL season following his exit at the Magpies.
Kelly was not offered a new deal by the reigning premiers at the cessation of last season, seeing his time in the black and white come to an end after five years. The Magpies considered adding Kelly to their training list ahead of the Supplemental Selection Period, but instead went in a different direction.
The son of Collingwood premiership player and current CEO Craig Kelly, the 23-year-old amassed five appearances for the Magpies - making his debut in 2020 against Hawthorn.
Kelly wouldn't play another game that year but would feature in a pair of matches in 2021 before not getting another look until last season. Kelly's final two games for Collingwood came as the tactical sub, with a majority of his last season at Olympic Park spent in the VFL.
The forward-defender hybrid is now set for a move north, withย News Corp'sย Paul Amy revealing Kelly has signed with Sydney's VFL program for the year ahead.
VFL: Delisted Magpie Will Kelly has joined Sydney. The Swans have also secured Hugo Birks, who booted 44 goals from 14 games for Drouin last year in the Gippsland league.
— Paul Amy (@PaulAmy375) February 26, 2024
The Swans' reserves managed just four wins from their 18 games last year to finish 18th on the ladder - coming ahead of just Frankston, the Northern Bullants and Coburg.
Kelly's addition will provide ample assistance as a key position talent at either of the field, with Sydney potentially looking at the Glen Iris junior as a defensive outlet given their limited backline options.
With personnel shifting among the senior side's rearguard in 2024, the Swans' reserves will be hoping to find some stability this year and improve on their defensive ranking, having recorded the fourth most points last season.
Sydney's VFL side will start their new season against Coburg on Sunday, March 24 at Tramway Oval.
