A five-year defender at Collingwood, Will Kelly, has reportedly been informed that he won’t be part of the team for the 2024 season. Despite having played only five AFL games since his draft in 2018, Kelly is said to have been delisted by the Magpies and won’t receive a 2024 contract. The team has been making several changes in the off-season, including the delisting of five players.
Collingwood officially confirmed Kelly’s departure, and List Manager Graham Wright praised the 23-year-old for his dedication and development over his five seasons with the club. They also mentioned the possibility of adding him as a train-on player in the pre-season if there are available spots following the draft process in November.
Kelly, who was drafted under father-son rules in 2018, had limited opportunities in the AFL due to injury challenges, including a fractured elbow during his league debut in 2020. He may explore the delisted free agency market when it opens in early November.
Before Kelly’s departure, Collingwood had already delisted Trent Bianco, Arlo Draper, Cooper Murley, Trey Ruscoe, and Tom Wilson. On a more positive note, Nathan Kreuger, Josh Carmichael, and young ruck Aiden Begg have all signed one-year contract extensions to remain with the team under coach Craig McRae. These players, despite limited senior appearances in 2023, bring valuable skills to the team in various roles.
Collingwood recently concluded its player movement period by trading for Lachie Schultz from Fremantle while bidding farewell to Taylor Adams and Jack Ginnivan. The focus now shifts to the upcoming National Draft, set to begin on November 20 and continue into a second night on November 21.
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