Australian Football

Ross Kelly was an outstanding success from the time he first donned a West Perth jumper in 1958. That season saw him chosen to represent Western Australia at the Melbourne carnival and he went on to make a total of 10 appearances for his state. He enjoyed an exceptional year in 1959, running fifth in the Sandover Medal voting, and in 1960 he was a key member of the Cardinals’ first premiership team in nine years.

Kelly missed the entire 1961 season whilst overseas, and in his absence the side finished a disappointing fifth, but his return the following year helped the team re-emerge as a contender, eventually getting as far as the Preliminary Final. Equally at home across half back or on the ball, Ross Kelly had played a total of 132 league games for the Cardies by the time he retired in 1965.

Author - John Devaney