It is fitting that Paul Kelly, NSW-born and bred, who charged on to become one of the AFL’s finest players, was unveiled as the second AFL subject in the Basil Sellers Sports Sculpture Project at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Born, raised and educated in Wagga Wagga in southern NSW, Kelly became known as “Captain Courageous” for his fearless play which so often inspired the Swans to success.

Not only was Kelly widely regarded as a skilful, brave and indefatigable player, he warmed the hearts of all with his modest, generous and unpretentious nature off the field.

His leadership talents developed early in his career. He was appointed Swans captain in 1993 and, leading by example, received the Bob Skilton Medal in 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997 as the Swans best player.

He won the coveted Brownlow Medal for the AFL’s Best and Fairest Player in 1995, and earned All Australian selection in 1995, 1996 and 1997, the latter two years as captain.

He also won the AFL Players Association’s Robert Rose Award for Most Courageous Player in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 2000.

In retirement, the honours continued. He was named vice-captain in the Swans Team of the Century and inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2007.

Now in retirement, Kelly enjoys a farming life on the Murrumbidgee River away from the spotlight.

Kelly’s sculpture, located directly outside the Swans headquarters, is a permanent reminder to followers of all sports of the AFL and Swans colossus that is Paul Kelly.


Image: Hamilton Lund, SCG Trust