Max Kelly

A local product from Geelong West, Kelly entered the VFL system with a reputation for speed, having excelled as a sprinter and swimmer during his youth. He made an immediate impact at the lower level, tying for the 1930 Gardiner Medal as the League Reserves Best and Fairest before breaking into the senior side the following season. Playing as a pacy wingman, Kelly featured twelve times during the Cats' dominant 1931 campaign but was heartbreakingly squeezed out of the side for the Grand Final victory over Collingwood. After struggling to regain his spot in 1932 and enjoying a brief resurgence in 1933, he eventually departed to play reserves football for Carlton and North Melbourne. Despite his short senior career, Kelly became a significant off-field figure at Kardinia Park, serving as a selector in the 1950s and playing a pivotal role in establishing the club's Past Players Association.