“I thought he was done”: Tim Kelly's career revival

After four straight losses to start the 2025 season, West Coast head coach Andrew McQualter made the shock decision to drop former All-Australian midfielder Tim Kelly.

At 30 years of age and without a contract beyond the 2025 season, it felt as though Kelly’s exceptional career was coming to a sudden halt.

Averaging 28 disposals and six clearances just two seasons prior, the former Cat had slipped to just 17.6 touches a game, however, was rewarded with a two-year extension in the hopes of recapturing lost form.

Now, 12 rounds into 2026, Kelly has once again established himself as one of the club’s most important players.

Back up over 23 touches a game, Kelly has been crucial within a settled midfield unit containing Harley Reid, Elliott Yeo and Willem Duursma, helping the Eagles to four wins through the opening stages of this season.

David King felt the need to give credit where it’s due.

“The more you look at the Eagles, the more I think you have to tip your lid to the resurgence of Tim Kelly,” King told SEN Fireball.

“I think he had a fight on his hands at the start of this season to be a significant contributor again for the Eagles.

“I think he’s won a lot of people back with just his effort and his attitude to compete.”

Against Essendon on Sunday, Kelly mounted a team-high 28 disposals with six score involvements and 554 metres gained in a big win out West.

Over the last 10 weeks, Kelly has surged into the top 100 rated players in the comp and sits just outside the top 50 over the last five.

“He had a lot of touches, he didn’t have his best night, it wasn’t an outstanding performance for him, but he has become a solid contributor again,” King continued.

“I thought we’d lost him. I thought he was done.”

Kane Cornes was previously critical when the Eagles committed to Kelly for a further two seasons midway through last season.

Now contracted until the end of next year, Cornes credited the club for aiding the veteran in rediscovering once lost form.

“I wouldn’t have given him two years – I thought that was it,” he said.

“In fact, I was critical of them giving them two years.

“He lost his place in a side that was – as you said – one of the poorest sides we’ve seen in the last 20 years. He couldn’t get a game there at the Eagles.

“Well done to Andrew McQualter for his resurgence.”

Up to 15th, the Eagles host Port Adelaide next week in what presents as yet another winnable fixture.