BIO: Mike Kelly was born in Los Angeles, California (USA) and began his career at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, during which he was part of a team with a 29–0 record that won the 1985 CIF Championship.

He then moved to Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, and stayed there for two years.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Mike Kelly made his NBL debut with the Hobart Devils at 25 years of age. He scored 24 points in his first game.

After a challenging season with Cal Bruton serving as both player and coach, the Hobart Devils shifted direction in 1993, opting not to renew Bruton’s contract. Alongside Bruton, the team parted ways with import Joe Hurst and veteran Shane Froling, while promising young big man David Stiff departed to play college basketball (Boston College).

Despite these notable exits, the Devils retained a core group featuring prolific scorer Wayne McDaniel, reliable forward Andrew Svaldenis, import guard Donald Whiteside, sharpshooter David Close, and rising talent Anthony Stewart.

The Devils faced significant challenges from the outset, with depth issues becoming increasingly evident as the season progressed. Injuries further complicated matters, sidelining key players Wayne McDaniel and David Close at critical points. To counteract these absences, Mike Kelly was brought in as an injury replacement and quickly made an immediate impact, averaging an impressive 19.5 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 steals in his brief two-game stint.

Wayne McDaniel continued his scoring prowess, leading the team with averages of 20.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Andrew Svaldenis delivered a career-best performance, improving significantly with averages of 15.6 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 1.6 steals. Guard Donald Whiteside proved his value once more, contributing 15.2 points, 5.6 assists, and 2.5 steals per contest, though increased defensive attention from opponents limited his effectiveness at times. David Close remained a consistent threat from outside, posting 13.2 points and 2.9 assists per game, while second-year player Anthony Stewart notably doubled his scoring output to 11 points per game alongside 3.7 assists.

Jim Havrilla (9.8 points, 5.4 rebounds) and Justin Cass (7.5 points, 3 rebounds, 2.3 assists) provided additional contributions, but the Devils struggled to maintain competitive form consistently throughout the year. Limited depth and injuries exposed significant vulnerabilities, ultimately resulting in a disappointing 6–20 record and a 13th-place finish.

1996
After a short stint as a replacement player with Hobart (1993) and a number of impressive seasons playing in Australia’s state League Mike Kelly signed a contract to play with the South East Melbourne Magic in 1996.

Heading into 1996, coach Brian Goorjian had fully revamped the South East Melbourne Magic lineup, focusing on cultivating Australia’s best young talent. Under-21 rising stars Chris Anstey, Sam MacKinnon, and Jason Smith had grown into pivotal rotation players. To complement this emerging core, Goorjian replaced high-scoring guard Adonis Jordan with unselfish Vanderbilt import Billy McCaffrey. Defensive standout Mike Kelly—who had impressed briefly in the NBL previously with Hobart (1993) before honing his skills in Australia’s state leagues—was signed to a full-time NBL contract. Kelly joined from the state competition alongside promising teenage forward Frank Drmic, who replaced Rupert Sapwell. With veterans Tony Ronaldson, John Dorge, Darren Lucas, and Andrew Parkinson also returning, the Magic felt poised to make a genuine title run.

South East Melbourne flourished offensively with an exceptionally balanced approach, finishing second on the regular-season ladder (19–7). Six players averaged double-digit scoring, led by Tony Ronaldson’s standout numbers (18.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists). McCaffrey (17.6 points, 4.7 assists) seamlessly orchestrated the offense, while Chris Anstey had a breakout year (11.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks). Anstey’s significant improvement was rewarded at season’s end with the NBL’s Most Improved Player award. Veteran centre John Dorge (12.4 points, 8.8 rebounds) remained highly productive, providing critical inside presence.

Mike Kelly (11.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 steals) stepping into significant responsibility in his first full season, averaging 33 minutes per game. His defensive prowess and reliable scoring immediately proved invaluable to the Magic.

While dominant at home (11–2), youthful inconsistencies occasionally appeared on the road, limiting the Magic to just two regular-season road wins over playoff-bound teams.

Entering the postseason, the Magic exacted revenge on the North Melbourne Giants, who had ended their 1995 season. South East Melbourne comfortably took game one of the quarterfinals, 96–82, effectively neutralising Giants’ star Darryl McDonald (held to 11 points and 6 turnovers). Andrew Parkinson came off the bench to lead the Magic with 19 points, supported by McCaffrey (18 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Kelly (15 points, 8 rebounds). Anstey dominated the paint with 12 points and 7 boards.

In game two, John Dorge’s 14 points and 14 rebounds performance shut down Paul Rees, who had scored 28 in game one. Ronaldson starred (25 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks), while Kelly again played brilliantly, recording 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Magic eliminated the Giants with an 87–77 victory.

In the semi-finals against the Adelaide 36ers, Ronaldson (20 points, 7 assists) led a tightly contested game one but fell narrowly, 87–86, due to Leon Trimmingham’s dominant 23-point effort. In game two, the Magic’s youth took centre stage. MacKinnon (20 points, 7 assists) and Anstey (14 points, 6 rebounds) propelled the Magic to a convincing 112–81 victory, limiting Trimmingham to just 10 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Mike Kelly contributed strongly (15 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals), sending South East Melbourne to the Grand Final against their fierce crosstown rivals, the Melbourne Tigers.

Melbourne drew first blood in the Grand Final, securing a 100–89 victory behind Andrew Gaze’s stellar 35-point, 8-rebound, 7-assist outing. Kelly contributed solidly in defeat, adding 14 points and 6 assists. Bradtke (24 points, 15 rebounds) and Copeland (23 points) ensured victory alongside Gaze, as the Tigers’ “Big Three” combined for 82 points.

Game two saw a record-breaking crowd of 15,064 pack Flinders Park—the largest ever for an NBL game in Melbourne. Energised by the atmosphere, South East Melbourne responded impressively, defeating the Tigers 88–84. Ronaldson exploded for 28 points, supported by Mike Kelly’s exceptional all-around play (19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals). Gaze again topped Melbourne’s scorers with 21 points.

The quick turnaround for game three—held only 48 hours later—played into the Magic’s younger legs. South East Melbourne dominated the decisive clash, winning in emphatic fashion, 107–70. McCaffrey shone (24 points, 5 assists), while MacKinnon delivered near perfection (18 points, 9 rebounds, shooting 9-of-10). Veteran John Dorge was unstoppable inside, adding 16 points and 8 rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting. Kelly, consistent again, contributed crucially with 16 points and 7 rebounds. The Magic’s field-goal accuracy (54%) thoroughly outclassed Melbourne’s (38%), sealing the championship convincingly.

The 1996 NBL Grand Final series achieved a record total attendance of 43,605 (14,535 average), the highest ever for a three-game series. Mike Kelly’s integral two-way impact—averaging 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.3 steals across the series—earned him Finals MVP honours in his first full contracted NBL season, underscoring his rapid ascent from the state leagues to championship glory.

1997
Coming off their championship-winning 1996 season, the South East Melbourne Magic retained the majority of their roster, making only a few notable adjustments. The primary changes included the arrival of import guard Brian Tolbert, who replaced outgoing Billy McCaffrey, and the promotion of promising 18-year-old Frank Drmic in place of retired defensive specialist Darren Lucas. Despite these adjustments, the Magic continued their dominant form throughout the 1997 season, finishing atop the ladder with an impressive franchise-record 22–8 mark.

Balance and depth defined the Magic’s approach, with five players averaging double figures in scoring and only four points separating the team’s top scorer from its fifth. Veteran forward Tony Ronaldson (16.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists) spearheaded the offense, closely supported by rising stars Sam MacKinnon (15.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) and Chris Anstey (13.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.8 blocks), whose defensive presence anchored the frontcourt. In the backcourt, defensive stalwart Mike Kelly (12.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 steals) set the tone, earning his second consecutive NBL Best Defensive Player award. Coach Brian Goorjian’s exceptional management of this deep roster was recognised with the NBL Coach of the Year award.

As ladder leaders, South East Melbourne earned a first-round bye before facing the fourth-placed Perth Wildcats in the semi-finals. The Magic opened the series strongly, taking game one in Perth (92–82), powered by an outstanding performance from Anstey (19 points, 16 rebounds, 5 steals) and Ronaldson’s 18 points. Back home for game two, South East Melbourne elevated their defensive intensity, restricting the Wildcats in a commanding 96–69 victory. MacKinnon (21 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) paced the Magic offensively, securing a return to the Grand Final and setting up a highly anticipated rematch against the Melbourne Tigers.

The 1997 Melbourne Tigers, however, posed a formidable challenge. After a sluggish 6–5 start, the mid-season acquisition of Marcus Timmons sparked an incredible franchise-record 13-game regular-season winning streak. By the time they faced the Magic, their winning streak had extended to 15 games. In game one, the Tigers’ explosive trio of Lanard Copeland (29 points, 4 rebounds), Marcus Timmons (24 points, 9 rebounds), and Andrew Gaze (23 points, 9 assists) proved unstoppable, dismantling the Magic 111–74. Chris Anstey struggled offensively, limited to just 6 points by Melbourne’s defense.

Coach Goorjian responded strategically in game two by inserting veteran John Dorge into the starting lineup to increase physicality and allow Anstey more freedom. The adjustment paid dividends—Anstey delivered his best playoff performance to date (21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks), guiding South East Melbourne to a gritty 84–78 victory and ending Melbourne’s 17-game winning streak. This result forced a deciding game three for the second straight year.

Game three began intensely, with both teams tied midway through the first quarter. However, a second-quarter surge by the Tigers proved decisive. Despite Tony Ronaldson’s spirited 26-point effort, Melbourne’s frontcourt effectively contained Anstey (8 points), and the Tigers never relinquished control, clinching their second-ever NBL championship with a 93–83 victory. Lanard Copeland led Melbourne again, scoring 26 points, and was later named Finals MVP after averaging 27.6 points and 3.3 rebounds for the series, shooting at an impressive 56%.

Yet, despite Copeland’s stellar numbers, the Tigers highlighted the pivotal contributions of forward Warrick Giddey, whose impact transcended his stat line (0 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block). Giddey delivered three crucial late-game plays—a hard foul breaking MacKinnon’s nose, a momentum-shifting block on Frank Drmic, and a powerful mid-court screen on Mike Kelly—that ultimately sealed the Tigers’ triumph.

A great Australian sporting rivalry!! pic.twitter.com/qVrlKwROkN— RANDOM HOOPS (@HoopsRandom) March 21, 2023

1998
During the 1998 season Kelly earned the League best defensive player award for the second straight season and averaged 13 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He played a key role in helping the Magic to a first place finish in the regular season with a 26-4 record.

The Magic received a first round bye in the play-offs before meeting the Brisbane Bullets in the semifinals. The Magic would defeat Brisbane 106-98 in game one and 90-84 in game two to see them reach the NBL Grand Final. The Magic would face the Adelaide 36ers in the championship deciding series and lose a narrow game one 93-100 before the 36ers dominated them in game two 90-62 to win the title.

Kelly moved to a brand new club for the 1998/99 season, the newly formed Victoria Titans. During his two year stay with the club, they reached the finals twice and the Grand Final once.

1998/99
In 1999 Kelly averaged 10.2 points and 3.9 rebounds, and helped guide the Titans to a third place finish in the regular season with a 16-1 record.

TOWNSVILLE CROCODILES
1999/00
Townsville’s second year under Ian Stacker saw a major overhaul that left Brad Davidson and David Pennisi as the only holdovers from Townsville’s “Suns” era just 18 months earlier.

Veterans Simon Kerle and Jason Cameron (both to Brisbane) moved on alongside big man Michael Pennisi (to Philippines) and import James Harper. The core of Robert Rose, Sam Mackinnon and Andrew Goodwin returned, with Stacker adding Ben Knight (via Sydney) and Mike Kelly (via Victoria)—both with South East Melbourne ties to Stacker/Mackinnon—plus Pat Reidy (via Newcastle) to deepen the bench and balance the offence.

The season opened with a 95–106 road loss to Victoria despite Rose (29 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists; 14-of-15 FT) opening the season on fire and an efficent night from Goodwin (19 points, 6 rebounds). Kelly (11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists) also delivering a solid game in his debut, while Jason Smith (29 points) and Darryl McDonald (19 points, 8 assists) steered the Titans to the win.

A week later Townsville snapped back by beating Wollongong 99–88, thanks to Rose (17 points, 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 3 steals) producing a near triple-double. New additions Reidy (21 points), and Kelly (19 points, 4 rebounds) rounded out a balanced response against Melvin Thomas (21 points) and CJ Bruton (15 points).

That result ignited a five-game surge through Perth (123–81), Sydney (98–88), Cairns (103–75) and a 131–127 shootout over Adelaide. Goodwin exploded for his season high (40 points, 15 rebounds), Rose filled every column (17 points, 7 assists, 5 steals, 1 block) and while Kelly (24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists) tried his best to limit 36ers star Brett Maher (40 points).

By early December the Crocodiles had dipped to 4–6 before resetting with a crisp 108–90 over Wollongong—Mackinnon authored a triple-double (22 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds), Brad Davidson (19 points) came off the bench to deliver his best game of the season and Kelly (14 points, 3 steals) was crucial in locking down Kings stars Issac Bruton (24 points) and Melvin Thomas (23 points).

The pre-Christmas run then cemented contender status—Cairns fell 116–82, Wollongong 108–90 and Canberra twice (117–88 and 128–101).

The Crocodiles then ripped off a seven-game winning streak and finished with the best record in franchise history, a club-record 22–6 (11–3 home, 11–3 away), earning Stacker NBL Coach of the Year and a first-round bye after placing second on the ladder.

Andrew Goodwin (18.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals) developed into the club’s leading scorer, captured NBL Most Improved Player and earned All-NBL Second Team honours. Mackinnon (17.3 points, 8.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 2.0 steals, 1.1 blocks) made the All-NBL First Team and, together with Rose (17.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.8 steals), was a co-winner of the club’s MVP award. Other key contributors included Kelly (16.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.6 assists; league-leading 43.9% 3PT), Reidy (14.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists) and Knight (8.5 points, 4.4 rebounds), who earned Sixth Man of the Year.

Semi-Finals vs Perth—Game 1 (Perth 104–101): Kelly set the playoff tone (29 points, 5-of-8 3PT, 8-of-9 FT, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal) and Mackinnon posted a triple-double (16 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists), with Rose steady (14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists); but the Wildcats closed through Ricky Grace (24 points, 6 assists) and Marcus Timmons (20 points).

Game 2 (Townsville 101–78): The Furnace roared as Rose came a whisker from a triple-double (21 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists), Mackinnon stuffed every column (23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals) and Reidy surged (22 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists). Kelly filled gaps everywhere (13 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals) to level the series.

Game 3 (Perth 104–84): Rose emptied the tank (33 points, 8 assists, 4 steals) and Kelly (10 points, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals) battled to the final buzzer, but the Wildcats closed through Grace (21 points, 11 assists), Anthony Stewart (21 points), Paul Rogers (20 points, 12 rebounds) and Andrew Vlahov (15 points, 17 rebounds).

2000/01
Townsville entered 2000/01 with minimal departures, with coach Ian Stacker returning and the core of Robert Rose, Sam Mackinnon, Pat Reidy, Mike Kelly, Andrew Goodwin, Brad Davidson, Peter Crawford and David Pennisi back after the 2000 playoff breakthrough, the only notable exit being Ben Knight (to Cairns) who was replaced by import big Dujuan Wiley.

The Crocodiles opened with a statement in the Queensland derby, smashing Cairns 120–85 at The Swamp as Mackinnon erupted for 35 points and 10 rebounds and Goodwin added 24 and 8, while Rose flirted with a triple-double (13 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists). Kelly (14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in 36:40) was solid in the win as well.

A 4–1 start was followed by several losses, Adelaide (105–121) and Perth (108–121) on the road, and then a Victoria double defeat left them 5–4—before the group steadied again. It was around this time also severe bone bruising to the knee sidelined Mackinnon after 16 games, prompting the release of the underperforming Wiley (7.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks across 16 games) and the signing of David Hinton (9.8 points, 6.0 rebounds across 19 games).

From there the Crocs caught fire, ripping off eleven straight wins highlighted by a blow out win over Brisbane (126–63), which remains one of the biggest margins in NBL history still today. In this game Rose (18 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists) recorded a triple-double and Kelly (8 points, 9 assists, 8 rebounds in 39:01) almost notched one up as well.

A night later in a win over Wollongong (93-88), Rose (40 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists) delivered his season high with Kelly (12 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds across 46:54) filling the stat sheet in multiple areas to help close the game out. The late run also featured a 126–123 thriller over Sydney, a 138–107 home thumping of the Kings and a 122–88 rout of Canberra as Townsville’s pace-and-space offense fully blossomed.

Townsville closed the regular season 22–6—then the best mark in club history and equal-best in the league—finishing second on percentage behind the Victoria Titans and surging into the playoffs on an eleven-game heater.

Kelly (16.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.3 steals) finished the season ranking top-five in the league in three-point percentage while often taking the toughest defensive matchup and still producing at volume. Rose (22.0 points, 8.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.2 steals) delivered an MVP season, stepping up in the absence of Mackinnon (17.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 1.5 steals, 1.1 blocks across 16 games) and also making the All-NBL First Team after finishing fourth in both scoring and assists and fifth at the stripe. Other key contributors included Reidy (17.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists), Goodwin (16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.0 steals) and Brad Davidson (10.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.1 steals) who delivered his best season to date, finishing second in the league in three-point percentage.

Townsville moved on to face Sydney in the Qualifying Finals, the Kings delivering an upset loss in game one (109-127) despite a strong game from Rose (20 points).

Back at The Swamp, Game Two swung the series (121–113) behind the scoring punch of Reidy (25 points), Rose (17 points, 9 assists) and an all round line from Kelly (18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists).

Game Three finished 122–114 to the Crocs with Rose (22 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists) and Goodwin (20 points, 10 rebounds) leading the Croc’s into the semifinals to face Victoria, who had dominated them during the regular season.

Game One in Melbourne saw the Titans come away with the win, as they had most games this season (106–97). Rose (26 points) and Reidy (19 points) finished as top scorers for Townsville as Tony Ronaldson (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Darryl MacDonald (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) led the Titans.

Game Two at The Swamp, Townsville found the answer (98–82), with Goodwin (24 points, 10 rebounds) and Kelly (16 points, 7 assists) leading the charge to push it to a deciding game three.

Two nights later, Townsville secured a spot in the Grand Final (101–97)—behind Goodwin (23 points and 4 rebounds) and Rose (20 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists) outlasting a 33 point explosion from Titan’s guard Mark Dickel.

In the Grand Final against Wollongong, the opener was a heart-stopper the Hawks edged 104–101.

Goodwin was outstanding (29 points, 8 rebounds) and Davidson (18 points, 4-of-5 3PT) was red-hot, with Rose (26 points) struggling to stay on the court due to foul trouble. Kelly (9 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal) played tough defence for 40 minutes but struggled to get going offensively.

Game Two at The Swamp levelled the series 114–97 as Goodwin controlled the paint (22 points, 13 rebounds) and Kelly (21 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists in 42:17, 3-of-7 3PT, 6-of-8 FT) turned things around after his quiet effort in game one. Damon Lowery (25 points) and Charles Thomas (20 points) led the Hawks in scoring.

Less than 24 hours later, Game Three went the Hawks’ way 97–94 despite a monumental game from Rose (30 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals in 46:59). Kelly (21 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists in 44:40, 3-of-7 3PT) again delivered at both ends and Goodwin (22 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks on 7-of-11 FG and 7-of-7 FT) posted another double-double, but it wasn’t enough to stop Charles Thomas (23 points) and Glen Saville (18 points, 12 rebounds, 2 steals) leading the Hawks to their first NBL championship.

2001/02
Sam MacKinnon’s exit (to West Sydney) pushed Ian Stacker to revamp the Crocodile’s roster for this season. Robert Rose, Andrew Goodwin, Pat Reidy, Mike Kelly, Peter Crawford and Brad Davidson, would all return to steady the team’s core rotation and added local Andrew Rice as well as import Ray Owes, who previously played for Stacker in Geelong, to bolster the roster.

Townsville opened with a win over Queensland rivals Cairns (100–92) behind Robert Rose (19 points, 5 rebounds), Andrew Goodwin (19 points, 13 rebounds), Brad Davidson (15 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists), and support from Mike Kelly (15 points), rounding out a balanced scoring start.

A three-game losing streak came next—Adelaide (105–111), Victoria (91–94) and at Adelaide (97–127)—before righting the ship with a road win over Perth (99–82) on 3 Nov, then back-to-back home victories against Victoria (122–112 on 20 Nov) and West Sydney (97–94 on 24 Nov), and a New Year’s highlight when Rose (23 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists) delivered a triple-double in a 95–98 home loss to Wollongong on 31 Dec, with Kelly (11 points, 4 assists, 3 steals, 4 rebounds) contributing across the box score.

Owes (6.4 points, 4.9 rebounds across 8 games) was a mere shadow of his Geelong-era form as injuries limited his impact, prompting Stacker to replace him mid-season with Shawn Harvey (7.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.8 steals across 12 games).

Other key games this season included a 108–88 win over Brisbane where Rose exploded for a season-high 44 points (15-of-24 FG, 8-of-12 3PT, 6-of-6 FT) with 6 rebounds and 6 steals while Kelly (9 assists, 5 rebounds) played solid defence. Two weeks later Andrew Goodwin (33 points, 17 rebounds on 13-of-19) headlined a 123–108 win over Sydney with Rose (24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists) and Kelly (18 points, 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 3 steals) also delivering big games. Townsville also demolished reigning champions Wollongong 136–87 at home, with Kelly (20 points, 10-of-10 FT, 2-of-6 3PT, 4 assists) impacting at both ends alongside Goodwin (23 points, 16 rebounds), Davidson (21) and Rose (18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists).

The run-home however saw the Crocodiles falter with home losses to Perth (106–120), Adelaide (107–114) and Victoria (120–125) in March before closing the regular season with a quality road win at Perth (105–97 on 23 Mar) behind Mike Kelly (30 points, 11-of-11 FT, 5 assists, 5 rebounds), Robert Rose (19 points, 7 assists), Andrew Rice (19 points) and Andrew Goodwin (14 points, 7 rebounds). The Crocodiles finished 13–17 and 13th on the ladder, missing the playoffs one year after reaching the Grand Final as the loss of MacKinnon proved decisive.

Mike Kelly (15.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.3 steals) delivered at both ends as usual, alongside Rose (22.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 1.5 steals), Goodwin (17.6 points, and 8.3 rebounds) and Reidy (16.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.1 steals).

2002/03
however a 16-game winning streak pushed the club into the finals. Despite their best efforts, they were pushed out of the finals by the Wollongong Hawks and the Sydney Kings.

WOLLONGONG HAWKS
2004/05
Kelly joined the Wollongong Hawks for the 2004/05 NBL season, during which they reach the Grand Final. However, they were beaten 3–0 by the Sydney Kings.

2005/06
Kelly remained with the Wollongong Hawks for the 2005/06 NBL season, however only played four games before retiring.