Greater Western Sydney Giants star Josh Kelly is resolutely focused on making a triumphant return to AFL football this season, following a major hip surgery that initially threatened to sideline him for the entire year. The experienced midfielder has found inspiration in the remarkable career resurgence of two-time grand slam tennis champion Andy Murray, who underwent a similar procedure.
From Doubt to Determination
Now ten weeks post-surgery, Kelly can finally see the light at the end of what has been a challenging rehabilitation tunnel. The hip resurfacing operation has provided him with renewed hope and optimism for the continuation of his professional football career at the highest level.
"It was troubling me for probably two or three years and things probably just tipped over the edge," Kelly revealed in an exclusive interview. "We attempted a surgery last year which didn't help a heap, so just got to a point where we felt this was our best option."
Following in Murray's Footsteps
The surgical procedure involved attaching a metal socket to his hip, mirroring the exact same resurfacing operation that allowed tennis superstar Andy Murray to extend his elite career by an impressive four years after many had written him off.
"He had the same surgery," Kelly explained. "He was the first high profile athlete to do that and he got back playing, played for quite a number of years. So that's a good one for us to fall back on."
Road to Recovery
Turning 31 next month and with four years remaining on his current contract, Kelly has set ambitious targets for his rehabilitation journey. He is hopeful of returning to running by May, with a potential late-season comeback to AFL action firmly on the cards if his recovery progresses as planned.
Midfield Competition Heats Up
While Kelly focuses on his rehabilitation, new Giants recruit Clayton Oliver has been eyeing the midfield position that Kelly has made his own over the years. The former Melbourne star brings significant talent and experience to the GWS lineup.
"Clayton Oliver's probably a big one. He's looked great," Kelly acknowledged. "He's nursing a little injury at the moment, but I'm really excited about what he can do for the team."
GWS Legacy
Kelly has established himself as a cornerstone of the Greater Western Sydney franchise since being selected with pick number two in the 2013 national draft. Over his distinguished career, he has accumulated 230 games for the Giants, becoming one of the club's most influential and respected players.
In a significant show of loyalty back in 2019, Kelly rejected a lucrative big-money move to Victoria before triggering an eight-year contract extension that will keep him at GWS until at least the end of the 2029 season. This commitment underscores his deep connection to the club and its supporters.
The coming months will be crucial as Kelly works diligently through his rehabilitation program, aiming to prove that modern surgical techniques and determined athletes can overcome what were once considered career-ending injuries.
