West Coast midfielder Tim Kelly says the Eagles plan on bouncing back after finishing 17th last season.
Having won just two games in 2022, Kelly says the Eagles want to put that result in the past as they focus on what’s ahead.
Having focused on increasing their fitness base as a team across the pre-season, Kelly says he’s excited about what Adam Simpson’s side can bring as they hope to give themselves every chance of success in 2023.
“Last year was very tough and the year before was not ideal just missing out on finals,” Kelly told SEN The Run Home.
“It’s been a tough couple of years, but I reckon right now if I’m honest, I haven’t been as excited for a year like this in a while.
“I think we’re in a good place right now as a group, we’re feeling healthy and we’re looking and feeling fit, that’s probably a space we haven’t been in for a while now, so it’s exciting.
“All of us just want to put last year to bed and give us every chance this year.”
While Kelly had a solid 2022 campaign where he finished 3rd John Worsfold Medal, his overall impact wavered as he picked up just three Brownlow votes compared to his tallies of 13 in 2018, 24 in 2019, 11 in 2020 and 10 in 2021.
After falling short of his best, track watchers say Kelly has had a monster pre-season, with SEN’s Tim Gossage even picking the 28-year-old to have a “breakout year of the highest order”.
From his own perspective, Kelly says he hasn’t done anything particularly different over the summer but he does feel he’s prepared himself as best he can for the upcoming season.
“To be perfectly honest, I haven’t really done anything different,” Kelly said.
“For most guys out there you try and set yourself up with a good off-season that flows into a good pre-season.
“That’s always been the plan for me, to prepare myself each year as best I can.
“This year’s been no different, but after you had a year like we had … I think everyone had the fire in the belly.
“Nothing’s really changed but we’ve probably done things at a bit of a higher level with a bit more intensity.”
Kelly and the Eagles open their 2023 campaign with a Round 1 clash against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on March 18.