NEW BOMBER James Kelly says being out of the AFL system for more than four months has freshened him up ahead of the 2016 season.

Essendon announced three-time premiership player Kelly as its second top-up signing during the week, following the addition of ex-Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley.

The former Cat said the whole process had been a whirlwind, and was a challenge he was looking forward to.

He said the time off had done him good.

"I feel pretty good, I’ve just had the physio screening and it was all good then," Kelly told essendonfc.com.au.

"I think having a few months off at the end of the season, while you’re playing, is something you don’t usually get to do.

"It’s been really good for me. I’m not 'fit', but I’m fresh."

Kelly played 273 games for Geelong over 14 years and was named an All Australian in 2011.

"It’s a really unique experience … (with) the changes that have been forced to go on here," he said.

"To be able to be a part of that and to help out in a small way, wherever that is, is really appealing to me.

"And also the challenge of working with a young group and helping them develop throughout the course of 12 months and see if I can make a small difference."

Essendon can sign up to eight more top-up players.