An opportunity to play alongside former teammate James Kelly was a big part of Mathew Stokes decision to join the Bombers.

The two were reunited after they both agreed to join the Club for the 2016 season, having their first run together at Friday’s training session.

Drafted three years earlier, Kelly would quickly become a good friend of Stokes - showing him the ropes and helping the youngster adjust to life in Geelong.

Unsure whether he had the desire to continue his football career after retiring at the end of last year, Stokes was spurred on by Kelly’s decision to continue on at the Bombers in 2016 . 

“We’ve been close mates ever since I moved in with him about ten years ago,” said Stokes

“Once I knew they were interested in me, they told me they were interested in ‘Kel’ (James Kelly).

“We both were working at the AFL, so we were in each others’ offices talking about the opportunity.

“If it weren’t for him coming here I probably wouldn’t have come.

“It makes it easier when you’ve got one of your best mates coming through the whole program as well with you.

“I’m looking forward to new experiences with him in new colours.”

While the two are definitely not interested in resurrecting their AFL careers, they are excited by the chance to help Essendon and its younger players through a difficult period.

Stokes has already been impressed by his new teammates in his limited time at the Club, now fully understanding his role as one of the more senior members of the team. 

“The senior guys that are left here, and the coaching staff, have a big job to try and get the next seven or eight months and I’m looking forward to being part of that group to try and help those kids develop,” said Stokes

“They’re a really good group, but you can tell that they have been through a bit.

“They’ve been through tough times.

“My job is to try and make sure that the group stays in good condition and keeps learning along the way, so when the boys do come back next year they have the best opportunity to have a good year.”