Kelly joins growing list of retiring AFL champions

Essendon veteran James Kelly will retire at the end of the AFL season as a three-time premiership player.

Kelly joined the Bombers in 2016 after winning the 2007, 2009 and 2011 flags with Geelong.

He was recruited to top up the Bombers' squad after 12 players were banned for doping last year.

The 33-year-old proved a strong acquisition in 2016, finishing club champion runner-up.

He has played 37 of his 310 AFL games for the Bombers.

Kelly, who made his debut in 2002, was an All-Australian in 2011 before being let go by the Cats in 2015.

"I feel really fortunate that I've been able to play for two great clubs," Kelly told reporters on Wednesday.

"I feel eternally grateful I've been able to experience the highs and lows of footy.

"I finished my career at Geelong with a lot of success.

"I was pretty worn out and tired and I came here and the Essendon footy club reignited my passion for the game."

James Kelly. Pic: Getty