Kelvin (Kelly) Stringer was recruited from the Lower Eyre Peninsula after starring in a match played between North Adelaide and his local league.  He commenced with the Roosters in 1964 and immediately made his mark around the club with his professionalism by winning the most attentive to training award in his first year.

By 1966 Kelly was really stamping his authority on league football as a regular on the wing.  Always a magnificent kick, Kelly will always be remembered as kicking the goal that clinched the 1966 first semi-final with a 65 yard drop kick just as the game entered time on.  Such was Kelly’s form for the season that he was awarded the best placed player award for the league team.

His form continued to improve and after a stellar year in 1967 he was awarded the most unselfish player trophy.  Then in 1968 Kelly reached the zenith of his career.  In June of that year he was chosen on the wing to represent South Australia in its state match against Western Australia.  Kelly was one of only two North Adelaide representatives in that side, the other being Barrie Robran who was chosen in the centre.

Kelly’s first half of state football was up to his usual high standard and most sources considered him to be the best man on the ground to that stage of the game.  Unfortunately that was the sum total of his interstate career.  He suffered a severe lower leg injury close to half time and was unable to play any further part in the game.

Kelly recovered to some extent from the injury but he was never quite the same player again.  He was still awarded the most enthusiastic player award at the end of 1968 and in 1969 again won the most unselfish player award.

After further struggling with his leg injury Kelly retired from league football at the end of the 1970 season after playing 84 games for the Club.  In keeping with such a fine club man, Kelly took on the role of Colts coach for three seasons from 1972 until 1974.  In recognition of his great service to the Club, he was awarded life membership of North Adelaide at the end of 1974.

A strongly built compact man, Kelly was always an extremely fit and courageous player who was a good mark for his height as well as being a beautiful kick.  After retiring from football, Kelly took up lawn bowls where he played with some distinction at both Hope Valley and Prospect-Broadview Bowling clubs.

Kelly passed away in 2013 at the age of 71 and the North Adelaide Football Club remembers and honours a very courageous and skilled player who served the Club well as both a player and coach.