Playing as an on-baller in the powerful midfield, he has shown capability in gaining many possessions and running well, as well as showing great courage.

He was delisted at the end of the 2015 AFL season, despite averaging 20.5 disposals in 17 games,[3] he subsequently retired from the AFL before signing with the Essendon Football Club in January 2016 as a top-up player in the wake of the club's supplements scandal.

[6] On 16 August 2017, Kelly retired from playing AFL after 313 games with Geelong and Essendon.

Kelly joined the Essendon coaching staff for the 2018 season and remained there for three years, retiring in February, 2021.

[10] In this role, Kelly appeared in advertising alongside fellow ambassadors, and Geelong teammates, Tom Harley and David Wojcinski.