With three premiership medals in his keeping, James Kelly was the most decorated of the recruits to arrive at the Bombers.

After Ryan Crowley’s signature, Kelly became the second of ten players to sign on with the Club for the 2016 season.

He was used across half back and in the midfield throughout the season.

Despite a limited preparation, Kelly played 20 games and finished runner-up in the best and fairest.

His performances in the win over Melbourne (28 disposals) and against his old side Geelong (26 disposals) were among his best.

Kelly finished in the top five at the Bombers for disposals, disposal efficiency, marks, kicks, tackles and intercept possessions.

“James is a really accomplished player – he’s done everything you need to do as far as AFL football goes but still has that desire to play,” Essendon’s General Manager of Football Operations Rob Kerr said.

“His leadership qualities are outstanding.  He made a huge contribution to the younger players within the group in terms of sharing his knowledge and experience.

“And he backed that up by finishing second in the best and fairest, so he certainly had a strong year.

“He’s certainly shown he’s got the capacity to continue as an AFL footballer and we feel his footy is good enough to justify a spot and be a strong contributor for us again next year. 

“I think James really enjoyed his season last year and he’s a competitor.

“He’s played a lot of AFL football and it seems to me like he felt like he had another year left in him at least.

“My understanding is as the season progressed he felt pretty comfortable about the prospect of going around again next season and his form has justified that.”