Paul Connors was just on SEN.
- Asked about Ess article by Robbo about getting Kelly. PC replied that he hadnt seen it but had heard about it. Said something along the lines of, written by Robbo a Bombers supporter right? (Basically laughed and said Ess isnt in picture IMO)
- Spoke about Hodge for a bit (tribute)
- on Kelly again. Said JK should be commended for his excellent footy, etc. Spoke to him a week or two ago about not being in a hurry to decide and is focused on finals campaign. Spoke about his family(Dad is a 2x Sandover winner) as support network, etc. Then said if he stays its with a talented group, blah, blah, blah. Then spoke of if he comes back to Melbourne, it will be for family.
PC obviously trying not to give anything away, but after listening to that I would think JK is heading home to Melbourne, with Family an important part. If anything, i feel slightly bouyed by what I heard.
What I honestly took out of the PC interview was;
A. If Josh Kelly stays it's because of his loyalty to his friends and teammates at GWS in their pursuit for a flag. He added this is a very common deciding factor for players nowadays
B. If he comes home it's for family
At the very end of the discussion PC said.. 'I've told Josh, no matter what your decision is, you still have plenty of time and don't rush it'.
As far as I'm concerned, purely going off that interview, Kelly simply hasn't made up his mind 100%. PC has told Kelly to concentrate on footy and probably told all parties that's where he is at. GWS can just up and down all they like, as can the Melbourne clubs, but that is probably just the reality he hasn't made a definitive decision yet.
I'd say out of all of this, including what the ITK's have mentioned here and media, these are the statements currently most accurate;
- Kelly hasn't signed anything, only verbal
- Kelly himself hasn't spoken to any clubs officially
- Kelly may have told his manager he wants to nominate Saints if he comes home (and that's what ITK's MG and TEW have been told)
- PC has been told to look for houses in Bayside
- PC playing the Melbourne clubs against each other for the best price
- Kelly has the option at any stage during their finals campaign or immediately after to backflip on any verbals and stay with his teammates.
And that last one is the biggie. Regardless of what's happened behind closed doors, what anyone has or hasn't agreed to, Josh can at any stage during the emotion of finals decide he can't walk away from the rare opportunity to win a flag with his current teammates.
I believe if Kelly comes home it will be to us, but I'm not calling it till I know he has signed on that dotted line.