Electric Launceston forward-turned-defender Rulla Kelly-Mansell will call South Australia home in 2019.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 26-year-old has signed a contract with SANFL side Glenelg after deciding it was time to test himself at a higher level than what is on offer in Tasmania.
Kelly-Mansell – the cousin of North Launceston AFL draft candidate Tarryn Thomas – was a key part of helping the Blues finish third on the Tasmanian State League table last season.
“I started having conversations towards the end of 2017 about what I wanted to achieve and if I wanted to play at the highest level to improve and the answer was yes,” he said.
“South Australia seemed like the right fit as it’s probably the best competition outside the AFL and the idea of being in a new place, with new people excited me.
“I have lived in Melbourne and somewhat tried it at VFL level… and I was lucky enough to go over to Glenelg towards the end of the year to meet everyone and train with the group, which left a really good taste in my mouth.”
Kelly-Mansell said he had the blessing of coach Sam Lonergan, who was once a playing assistant coach at Glenelg, and that he would be playing off half back under the tutelage of former Fremantle and Sydney assistant Mark Stone.
“Sammy, Chris Hills, Darrin Geard and the players who have helped me are behind me 100 per cent which reflects what the Launceston Football Club program is all about,” Kelly-Mansell said.
“Another club Norwood wanted me as a forward but I’ve really liked the opportunity playing back this year as it’s helped me take my game to another level.
“I’m still learning but Mark liked what he saw when I was over there.”
Kelly-Mansell will head over in mid-November to start pre-season training before sailing over Bass Strait and driving across state borders with his furniture and dog in tow.