Triple premiership Cat set to rejoin Kardinia Park fold

The 37-year-old is set to return to where it all began two decades ago.

SUBSCRIBER | September 27, 2021 - 12:39pm

Three-time premiership winning Cat James Kelly is set for a Kardinia Park homecoming with reports stating that the 37-year-old will fill one of several assistant coaching voids at Geelong in 2022.

In a tweet sent on Monday afternoon, SEN's Sam Edmund stated that the 273-game midfielder is set to rejoin the club that drafted him ahead of the 2002 season in a deputy role underneath head coach Chris Scott.

GEELONG has lured triple premiership player James Kelly back to the club as an assistant coach. Kelly quit Essendon in February for family reasons after three years, but he will form part of a new-look coaching team alongside Chris Scott next year.More to come on @DwaynesWorldSEN

— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) September 27, 2021

Geelong have since confirmed Kelly's hiring by way of an official statement in the hours following Edmund's tweet.

Within said announcement, the ex-Cat explained that he was overjoyed to call the Pivot City home again.

“I’m excited to come back to the club, to a place I love and be able to contribute as a member of the coaching staff,” Kelly said.

“It is a club that means a lot to me, and I have always kept my eye across what’s been happening. This is a great opportunity and I want to positively influence and impact the club and help us achieve success.”

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: James Kelly, Joel Selwood and Matthew Stokes celebrate winning the round two AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on March 30, 2014 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Geelong's general manager of football Simon Lloyd echoed Kelly's excitement and also heaped praise on the returning club icon.

“James has great football intelligence, has experience as a member of Essendon’s coaching staff and has a demonstrated ability as a strong communicator,” Lloyd said.

“James also brings a great love of the club and so brings additional passion to the role. We welcome James back to his football home and look forward to his insights and contribution to the club.”

Since departing Geelong at the cessation of 2015, Kelly went on to make a further 40 appearances across two campaigns with the Bombers before taking up a coaching role with the Tullamarine club that ran between 2018 and February of this year.

As stated by Edmund, the one-time All Australian stepped down from his stewardship position with Essendon due to family reasons, but with the Cats in need of experience in the coaching box next year, Kelly has answered the calls from his former home.

AFL Rd 18 - Essendon v Melbourne — GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Bombers assistant coach James Kelly looks on during the round 18 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Melbourne Demons at Metricon Stadium on September 19, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Since bowing out to eventual premiers Melbourne in the preliminary final earlier this month, Geelong have parted company with former CEO Brian Cook, who has since joined Carlton in the same capacity, whilst also losing Corey Enright (St Kilda), Matthew Knights (West Coast) and Matthew Scarlett from their respective mentoring posts.

Though Kelly was tasked with aiding Essendon's stoppages during his time working with John Worsfold and Ben Rutten, it is yet to be determined whether he will manage the same portfolio upon recommencing his time with Scott and the hoops.