Kelly focused on draft season goals

Swan Districts Colts midfielder Blake Kelly received the news he had been re-selected to the Western Australia under 18’s State team this April.

As a member of the state team, Kelly attends training sessions and represent WA in interstate competitions for over two months as part of the program

This week Kelly is heading to Melbourne to face off against the Allies at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Kelly turned 18 in January, making this year his draft year.

“I am focusing on my goal and my dream to play professional football,” Kelly said.

“There is a lot of pressure on this year.”

Kelly has played for the WA state team since 2023 when he was selected to play in the under 16’s team and football become more serious for Kelly.

At this age he realised there was chance he could achieve what so many young boys dream of, becoming an Australian Football League player.

Kelly is focused on his goal of becoming a professional football player and being drafted this November.

“I love the sport,” Kelly said.

“I’ve made some good friends on the state team and swans.”

Kelly has known some players from the current under 18 state team since he was 12. Over the years they have played football together and are connected by their shared goal, Kelly said.

“There is a lot of comradery with the state team, the coaches try to drive this.”

“It’s a serious and competitive environment…but we have similar goals which connects us all.”

Kelly is no stranger to this competitive football environment. His dad played for League at Swans.

“We are a footy family.”

Both Kelly’s older brothers have played for Swan Districts over the years, with 20-year-old Luke Kelly currently playing for the league.

Blake has played football since he was just 4 when he discovered his love and aptitude for the game and has continued since, joining the Colts team at Swan Districts in 2023.

Kelly has been absent from Swans games since round 5 due to scheduling conflicts with the state program and looks forward to returning shortly.