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West Coast prized recruit Tim Kelly explains family’s last minute decision to travel to Gold Coast hub

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
VideoWATCH: Fremantle forward Michael Walters took part in the Big Freeze 6 - watch his efforts here!

The uncertainty around when West Coast will return to Western Australia forced the hand of an anxious and excited Tim Kelly to take his young family to the Gold Coast hub yesterday.

Kelly was one of three players alongside Liam Ryan and Tom Hickey to have their partners and children come with them on their flight to Queensland, with the trip to last until at least after their July 2 match against Richmond.

The WA border restrictions and the state government’s refusal to ease them or allow AFL clubs travel exemptions means there is no set return date for the Eagles and Fremantle and the next block of fixtures will not be released until after round three.

Kelly, 25, said he and his partner Caitlin Miller decided late that they would travel east together with their three sons, with the fact there was no concrete return date enough to sway their decision.

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“Basically, a lot of the information we’ve received has been very late but once we understood what was there, living arrangements and things like that, and the fact the AFL may spring an extra couple of weeks on us to stay up there myself and Caitlin thought it was best for our family to stay together,” Kelly told the club’s website.

“Up until about a few days ago they weren’t coming, so it has been pretty hectic for us having to prepare and get things sorted.

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Tim Kelly of the Eagles and family get on a bus after training, to fly to the Gold Coast hub where they will resume Round 2 of the AFL season.
Camera IconTim Kelly of the Eagles and family get on a bus after training, to fly to the Gold Coast hub where they will resume Round 2 of the AFL season. Credit: Will Russell/Getty Images

“I am excited they’re coming and hopefully it feels just like a little mini-holiday, but I am playing footy at the same time.”

Kelly also confirmed he was a certain starter for Saturday’s round two game against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium after injuring his left ankle in the final minutes of the Eagles’ intra-club game on Friday night.

The midfielder completed the near-hour long non-contact session at Mineral Resources Park yesterday, getting through the light running and skills work alongside fellow fathers Luke Shuey, Josh Kennedy and Will Schofield.

“A bit of a late scare, you never want to get hurt towards the end of training,” Kelly said.

“I think I got the ball, I’ve kicked it and Yeoy’s (Elliot Yeo) come across to put some pressure on me and his spriggs have just got on the back of my ankle. I was in a lot of pain there for a couple of minutes, but nothing more than a bit of bad bruising and a bad graze.

“I am fine... can’t wait for Saturday.”

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