Was it fate or good fortune?

Either way, gun midfielder Tim Kelly says he could not imagine being anywhere else but Western Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2019 All Australian, who secured a trade from Geelong to West Coast in October, said he was especially grateful to be an Eagle during these uncertain times.

“I’m a big believer of things happening for a reason,” Kelly told Seven News Perth last night.

“I’ve got no doubt that coming back home is the best thing for myself, (wife) Caitlin and the kids.

“I couldn’t imagine being over the other side of the country at this time.”

Unfortunately Kelly has only managed to pull on West Coast’s revered wings three times since arriving back in the West – two Marsh Community Series matches and the club’s round one win over Melbourne – but the 2019 AFLCA Best Young Player Award winner hoped to be running around in the blue and gold again sooner rather than later.

Kelly was excited at the prospect of training in larger groups when the WA Government recently relaxed its social gathering restrictions, as he was eager to reconnect with his new teammates.

However, the 25-year-old was understanding of the AFL’s position that no team should be advantaged before the resumption of season 2020.

“It would be great to be training in groups of 10 and starting to build that chemistry back up, but it is what it is,” Kelly conceded.

“We just want footy to get back.”