GEELONG premiership hero James Kelly will return to GMHBA Stadium as an assistant coach.<\/p>\n
After a stellar playing career with the Cats, Kelly served as an assistant coach at Essendon for three years before taking a hiatus from football this year.<\/p>\n
Kelly is looking forward to returning to the club that has meant so much to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m excited to come back to the club, to a place I love and be able to contribute as a member of the coaching staff,\u201d Kelly said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a club that means a lot to me, and I have always kept my eye across what\u2019s been happening.<\/p>\n
“This is a great opportunity and I want to positively influence and impact the club and help us achieve success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Geelong\u2019s general manager of football Simon Lloyd welcomed Kelly back to GMHBA Stadium.<\/p>\n
\u201cJames has great football intelligence, has experience as a member of Essendon\u2019s coaching staff and has a demonstrated ability as a strong communicator,\u201d Lloyd said.<\/p>\n
\u201cJames 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
A veteran of 313 AFL games, including 273 in the navy and white hoops, Kelly earned three premiership medals and an All Australian blazer during his 16 year career.<\/p>\n