Essendon’s General Manager of Football Rob Kerr says James Kelly’s coaching potential was evident as soon as he arrived at the Club.
The three-time premiership player has been appointed as a Performance Coach ahead of the 2018 season.
Kelly played 313 games, including the final 40 of his career at Essendon where he was runner-up in the Crichton Medal in 2016.
Rising Star winner Andrew McGrath spoke glowingly of Kelly’s guidance throughout his first year in the AFL.
Kerr said Kelly has displayed a passion for teaching.
“From the moment he arrived you could see James had coaching potential,” he said.
“He’s really happy to put a view forward and does it in a very constructive way.
“During his time at the Club he took individual players under his wing and worked with them on their skills and development, so you could see that he had a bit of an inclination towards coaching.
“When we went through the interview process he presented really well and was particularly strong around the craft side and player development side of the game.
“We’re going to add someone who is really passionate about skill development and has got a thirst for learning himself but also teaching others.”
Kelly’s arrival coincides with the departure of Guy McKenna.
The former Gold Coast Coach and West Coast premiership player has been in charge of the Bombers midfield for the last two seasons.
But he’s accepted a position at Cricket Victoria as Coaching and Talent ID Specialist.
“He brought a lot of knowledge, a lot of experience and needless to say boundless energy and enthusiasm as well,” Kerr said.
“He made a really strong contribution to not only the playing group, but also the Footy Department with his attitude and the morale he instilled.”
After guiding the forward line to its most prolific season since 2011, Hayden Skipworth will take charge of the midfield in 2018.
“Our strategy coaches, in particular Mark Neeld and Rob Harding, will be responsible for developing the strategy for the midfield,” Kerr said.
“Hayden’s role will be coaching the players to execute it and build their skill set to execute it.
“Hayden has been quite passionate about the midfield area and the contested side of the game, so he’s chomping at the bit to get into that position.”
Paul Corrigan will transition from VFL Coach to Performance Coach of the Forwards for the AFL side, while Dan Jordan will take on the coaching reins of the VFL team.
