In effect, Kelly has been an influential figure at Collingwood for years with multiple connections to key Collingwood people, having been the manager and close confidante of former coach and champion player Nathan Buckley.

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He was an immediate and strong supporter of president Jeff Browne when the former Channel Nine boss launched his bid for the presidency of Collingwood in the post-Eddie McGuire period, replacing Mark Korda, who served one season in the job.

Kelly was a 1990 premiership teammate of Graham Wright, the club’s head of football and who is currently acting CEO.

TLA also has a range of Collingwood clients, including senior coach Craig McRae and assistants Justin Leppitsch and Brendon Bolton, as well as players Brayden Maynard, Jamie Elliott and, of course, Will Kelly.

Kelly was one of the pioneers in the field of player management in Australian football, and launched his initial company more than 30 years ago.

Kelly could not be reached for comment.

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