KELLY, Jake

Jake Kelly played for Adelaide and Essendon  in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was drafted to Adelaide with pick 40 in the 2014 Rookie Draft, and is the son of former Collingwood  player Craig Kelly. He played 110 games for the Crows, kicking just one goal.

Kelly joined Essendon as a free agent at the conclusion of the 2021 AFL Season, and made his debut in round 1 of his first season with the Bombers.

He finished 7th in the Crichton Medal, Essendon's Best and Fairest award, at the end of his first season with the Club.

Kelly became a regular in Essendon's backline in 2024 and played his 150th career game against St Kilda  in round 3.

He played 20 of a possible 25 games in 2024 but at the end of the season, he made the "courageous" decision to make a shock retirement from AFL football after 168 games for two clubs.

Draft history:  #40 (2014 Rookie Draft to Adelaide), (2022 Free agent to Essendon).