Phil Kelly Earns Prestigious WA Football Hall of Fame Induction
Dual Sandover medallist Phil Kelly has secured another significant honour with his induction into the WA Football Hall of Fame, marking a crowning achievement in his illustrious football career. The former East Perth winger, renowned for his left-foot precision and endurance, will be formally recognised in Perth this week, returning from his home in Melbourne for the ceremony.
A Stellar Career in the WAFL's Golden Era
Kelly's rise to prominence came during what many consider the zenith of the West Australian Football League (WAFL) in the late 1970s. In 1978 and 1979, he clinched the Sandover Medal, the league's highest individual award, outshining icons like Graham Moss and Stephen Michael. These seasons were celebrated for their toughness, skill, and high-scoring matches, partly due to the modern interchange system's introduction.
Reflecting on his Sandover wins, Kelly described them as humbling milestones. "It was a great, humbling experience," he said, emphasising the competitive spirit of the era. His success, however, was not without challenges. In the 1979 second semi-final, he suffered a severe shoulder injury that threatened to sideline him for weeks. Through sheer determination and the expertise of legendary trainer Ted O'Callaghan, Kelly made a remarkable 14-day recovery.
Grand Final Heroics and Memorable Moments
Despite missing the preliminary final, Kelly returned for the grand final against Perth, playing through pain in a rain-soaked clash. He recalled the intensity of the game, particularly the performance of the late Peter Bosustow, who scored seven goals. "With that huge downpour in the last quarter, it became an absolute quagmire," Kelly said. "Only one player on the ground was making it look like it was dry weather, and that was Peter Bosustow. Unbelievable."
His courage paid off as East Perth secured a dramatic victory, with fans invading the ground in celebration. Kelly noted that while he appreciated the win, he assumed more success would follow, highlighting his modest approach to the game. "I never fully appreciated what we as a team achieved at the time," he admitted. "On the Monday following the grand final, I was completing an assignment for my physical education studies."
From Pemberton to Perth: A Modest Beginning
Growing up in Pemberton, where his father Rex worked on a steam train, Kelly played junior football in Busselton, excelling with over 100 goals in an under-18s season. Initially, he had no grand ambitions for a football career. "I loved my footy, but I wasn't passionate about a career," he explained. "In those days, you didn't envisage football as being a career. It was a recreational activity."
After moving to Perth, he joined East Perth in 1975, quickly rising through the ranks. His state debut for Western Australia in 1977 against South Australia was a standout performance, contributing to a seven-point upset win. Over his career, Kelly represented WA six times, earning a reputation for his marking ability and precise kicking.
VFL Stint and Life Beyond Football
In the early 1980s, Kelly transitioned to the VFL, playing five seasons with North Melbourne before injuries cut his career short at age 28. He described the move as challenging, citing the more physical style and intense media scrutiny in Victoria. "It was very much in the media, your performances were monitored with a far higher level of scrutiny," he said. "That was pretty difficult for me."
Teammate Ross Glendinning, the 1983 Brownlow medallist, praised Kelly's attributes. "At East Perth, his running capability was just extraordinary," Glendinning recalled. "He wasn't quick, but he could run at the same pace from the first bounce right through to the final siren. He was a very solid kick, left footer, rarely had to kick on his right foot."
Kelly, in turn, hailed Glendinning as the best player he ever shared the field with. "There was something about him, he was stronger, he kicked the ball a mile," Kelly said. "Everything about him was elite. And he was a good bloke too."
Family Legacy and Retirement
Settling in Victoria with his wife Trish, Kelly worked in the IT industry until retiring 18 months ago. The couple have two children, Laine and Josh, with the latter making a name as a Greater Western Sydney star in the AFL. Josh Kelly has played 230 games for the Giants, earning All-Australian honours and twice winning the Kevin Sheedy Medal.
Phil Kelly expressed pride in his son's achievements, contrasting their approaches to the game. "He always wanted to be an AFL footballer from a very young age, which is quite different to me," he said. "I never had that sort of desire. We've taken a backseat just following him around as a supporter the last 10, 12 years. It's been fantastic for the whole family."
As he prepares for his Hall of Fame induction, Kelly remains humble about his legacy, viewing it as a testament to a career built on hard work, resilience, and a love for the game. His story continues to inspire football enthusiasts across Australia, cementing his place in WA football history.
