Paul Kelly (footballer)
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Paul Kelly born in Wagga Wagga was in his younger day as a Rugby League footballer playing for wagga brothers who turned to Australian Rules footballer at age 15, who went on to play for the Sydney Swans between 1990 and 2002. He was captain from 1993 until his retirement, playing 234 games for the club. He led the club to the Grand Final in 1996, its first since 1945.
Personal accolades included the Brownlow Medal in 1995 (the league's highest individual honour), club best and fairests in 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997, and All-Australian selection in 1995, 1996 (AA captain) and 1997 (AA captain).
Kelly was considered one of the best players in the competition during the mid-1990s, but from 1998 onwards was severely hampered by injuries. He was a late starter to AFL, making his debut at 20 after playing rugby league for most of his child hood.
After retirement, Kelly served the club as runner in 2003, before retiring to his farm near his home town of Wagga Wagga, NSW. His autobiography, Swan Song, was published in 2003 and covers the period up until his retirement from football.