Tim Kelly

Axed Eagles midfielder limited in WAFL return

The 2023 best and fairest winner was one of three dropped Eagles to feature at the state league level on Friday night.

Published by

Mitch Keating

West Coast midfielder Tim Kelly is no certainty to return to the Eagles' AFL side after being limited in Friday night's WAFL game against Subiaco.

The Eagles' reserves fell to the Lions by 19 points, with Kelly featuring in the competition for the first time since being drafted back in 2017.

One of 13 AFL-listed West Coast players to feature in the game at Mineral Resources Park, Kelly collected 20 disposals, 10 inside 50s, five tackles and a goal in the loss, potentially falling short of the impact some might've come to expect.

Coach Andrew McQualter wouldn't go into detail of what was expected from Kelly in his WAFL stint when speaking on Thursday, with the 2023 best and fairest winner falling behind a handful of inexperienced Eagles in the selection pecking order.

The Eagles have onballer options in Clay Hall, Tom Gross and Hamish Davis in their side for Saturday's Gather Round matchup with Carlton, with the trio combining for just seven AFL games.

"We've been really clear with Tim on what's required of him within his role," McQualter said.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Tim Kelly of the Eagles reacts after defeat during the round four AFL match between GWS Giants and West Coast Eagles at ENGIE Stadium, on April 06, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

"Tim was really understanding, and disappointed as you would expect, but we're really supportive of Tim that he's going to get back to his best footy."

Draftee Lucca Grego was the WAFL Eagles' top ball winner, managing 23 touches to go with five tackles and four inside 50s, while fellow first-year talent Jobe Shanahan was the only multiple goalkicker in Kyal Horsley's side, booting 3.2 from six disposals.

Ruckman Matt Flynn recorded 49 hitouts, 20 disposals and eight marks in a dominant performance.

Dropped Eagles Tyler Brockman (19 disposals and eight inside 50s) and Noah Long (18 disposals and seven inside 50s) also featured after coming out of McQualter's side, while axed veteran Tom Cole didn't play.

Archer May (17 disposals, four inside 50s and three goals) and Taj Schofield (21 disposals and four inside 50s) were among the best for Subiaco.

West Coast's WAFL side remains without a win from their first two matches of the 2025 season, with a game against Perth to come next Saturday.

Published by

Mitch Keating

2 weeks ago