TonyK
CibbuanoKelly accepts role with Team GWS
January 20th 2010 02:32
FORMER Sydney skipper and Brownlow medallist Paul Kelly has accepted a role with Team GWS and will start work on February 1.
Kelly, who retired from the Swans in 2002 after playing 234 games, will be based in Wagga Wagga and will work with the AFL's proposed 18th side in talent identification and fan development programs.
"I'm really happy about starting this new role, it's a challenge that I'm ready for," Kelly said.
"I think the opportunity that we are presenting the kids in southern NSW is what really excites me most."
"We are providing these kids with a strong pathway with the opportunity to potentially play AFL at the highest level - it's something that hasn't been done there before."
"I've been out footy for a while, and I wanted that because, to be honest, I was 'footied out'.
"But the last year or so I realised I was ready to get back into it and the timing was obviously just right for this opportunity – it was perfect to me."
"There might be a few people out there that will call me a traitor, but it really is about the bigger picture."
Kelly is currently in Coffs Harbour with GWS head coach Kevin Sheedy and recent Team GWS appointment Tom Harley to assess the New South Wales Under-18 trials.
Team GWS has also appointed Brett Hand as a development coach. Hand is the former head of the AFL program at the Northern Territory Insitute of Sport (NTIS)
The Greater Western Sydney franchise has zoned access to players from the Top End who are eligible for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 national drafts.
"Given the list concessions that relate to priority access to NT players in the next few years, Team GWS will undoubtedly benefit from Brett's recent experience in the Northern Territory," Sheedy said.
"His extensive knowledge of the local talent in NT will put us in the best position to ensure we make the most of the list concessions we have been afforded, paired with his impressive work in development and coaching."
Kelly, who retired from the Swans in 2002 after playing 234 games, will be based in Wagga Wagga and will work with the AFL's proposed 18th side in talent identification and fan development programs.
"I'm really happy about starting this new role, it's a challenge that I'm ready for," Kelly said.
"I think the opportunity that we are presenting the kids in southern NSW is what really excites me most."
"We are providing these kids with a strong pathway with the opportunity to potentially play AFL at the highest level - it's something that hasn't been done there before."
"I've been out footy for a while, and I wanted that because, to be honest, I was 'footied out'.
"But the last year or so I realised I was ready to get back into it and the timing was obviously just right for this opportunity – it was perfect to me."
"There might be a few people out there that will call me a traitor, but it really is about the bigger picture."
Kelly is currently in Coffs Harbour with GWS head coach Kevin Sheedy and recent Team GWS appointment Tom Harley to assess the New South Wales Under-18 trials.
Team GWS has also appointed Brett Hand as a development coach. Hand is the former head of the AFL program at the Northern Territory Insitute of Sport (NTIS)
The Greater Western Sydney franchise has zoned access to players from the Top End who are eligible for the 2011, 2012 and 2013 national drafts.
"Given the list concessions that relate to priority access to NT players in the next few years, Team GWS will undoubtedly benefit from Brett's recent experience in the Northern Territory," Sheedy said.
"His extensive knowledge of the local talent in NT will put us in the best position to ensure we make the most of the list concessions we have been afforded, paired with his impressive work in development and coaching."
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