Paul Kelly (footballer)
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Paul Kelly (born July 28, 1969) is a champion Australian rules footballer, winning the Brownlow Medal and serving as captain of the Sydney Swans for ten seasons.
Born in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Kelly initially played rugby league for Wagga Brothers but turned to Australian rules football at age 15. Recruited to the AFL by the Swans, Kelly made his debut in 1990, was appointed captain in 1993, won the Brownlow Medal (the AFL's highest individual honour) in 1995, won club best and fairests in 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997 and All-Australian selection in 1995, 1996 and 1997 (the last two as captain).
Kelly led the Swans to the AFL Grand Final in 1996—its first since 1945—and was considered one of the best players in the competition during the mid-1990s, but from 1998 onwards was severely hampered by injuries. Kelly retired after 234 AFL games and served as the Swans runner in 2003 before retiring to his farm near Wagga Wagga. His autobiography, Swan Song, was published in 2003 and covers the period up until his retirement from football.
In 2005, Kelly was on hand to present the premiership cup to Paul Roos and Barry Hall after the Swans' nailbiting 4-point Grand Final win.
In 2006, he presented the Brownlow Medal to former team mate, Adam Goodes.
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| Preceded by Barry Mitchell |
Sydney Swans Best and Fairest 1992-1993 |
Succeeded by Daryn Cresswell |
| Preceded by Greg Williams |
Brownlow Medallist 1995 |
Succeeded by James Hird, Michael Voss |
| Preceded by Tony Lockett |
Sydney Swans Best and Fairest 1996-1997 |
Succeeded by Michael O'Loughlin |
