Niamh Kelly

Niamh Kelly
Personal information
Full name Niamh Kelly
Date of birth (1995-08-30) 30 August 1995 (age 29)
Original team(s) Mayo (GAA)
Draft 2019 rookie signing
Debut Round 1, 2020, West Coast vs. Collingwood, at Victoria Park
Height 171 cm (5 ft 7 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Club information
Current club Adelaide
Number 23
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2020–2022 West Coast 22 (5)
S7 (2022)– Adelaide 35 (11)
Total 57 (16)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2024.
Career highlights
Source: AustralianFootball.com

Niamh Kelly (born 30 August 1995) is a gaelic football player who plays for Mayo and an Australian rules footballer who plays for Adelaide in the AFL Women's (AFLW). She has previously played for West Coast. She is the sister of St Kilda player Grace Kelly.[1]

AFL Women's career

In June 2019, Kelly joined West Coast as an international rookie, together with her sister Grace.[2][3][4][5][6] Making her debut in round 1, 2020 against Collingwood, Kelly was a part of West Coast's inaugural AFL Women's team.

In June 2022, both Kelly sisters left the Eagles; Niamh was traded to Adelaide, while Grace departed for St Kilda.[7]

Kelly had a career-best year in 2023. After winning the second-ever Showdown Medal awarded in the AFLW in round one of the season, Kelly recorded a personal-best 28 disposals and 99 AFL Fantasy points in round 8 against Brisbane. The following week, Kelly scored a match-winning goal against an in-form North Melbourne to secure her team a top-two finish and a home qualifying final.[8] Kelly was rewarded for her outstanding form in 2023 with selection in the All Australian squad.

Personal life

Kelly is the sister of Adelaide player Grace Kelly. The pair grew up in Bohola in County Mayo.[9][10]

References

  1. ^ "Niamh Kelly | AFL". afc.com.au. Retrieved 11 December 2024.
  2. ^ "Mayo sisters Niamh & Grace Kelly sign for West Coast Eagles in AFLW". Midwest Radio. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  3. ^ Duffy, Emma. "'It's something as a child you dream of. To do that alongside my sister in Australia is class'". The42. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  4. ^ "AFLW: Eagles Q&A - Niamh Kelly". westcoasteagles.com.au. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  5. ^ "Irish Kelly sisters shine for AFLW Eagles - Nine Wide World of Sports". wwos.nine.com.au. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  6. ^ "Mayo ladies stars sit tight in Australia". www.mayonews.ie. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  7. ^ "AFLW: Crows complete trade deals". Adelaide. Telstra. 8 June 2022.
  8. ^ Brown, Dani (29 October 2023). "Crows snatch late win over North".
  9. ^ Duffy, Emma. "Irish trio set to lead West Coast's line as Mayo Sister Act sign contract extensions". www.the42.ie. The42. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  10. ^ Reilly, Eliza. "West Coast AFLW sister act Grace and Niamh Kelly reveal their journey from Bohola in Ireland to the Eagles". www.thewest.com.au. The West Australian. Retrieved 10 April 2021.