THE ONCE-INDESTRUCTIBLE hips that served Swans legends Bobby Skilton and Paul Kelly so well over a combined 471 games have been in the wars in recent times.

Two years ago, Kelly broke a hip in a motorbike stunt; Skilton is still overcoming serious complications from a hip replacement early last year.

In the process, those hips have drawn their much-loved owners closer than ever before.

And that's something to behold, given Skilton and Kelly were already inextricably entwined by their shared No.14 jumpers, their Brownlow Medals, the fact they captained the Swans more than anyone else, and their ongoing spiritual legacy at their beloved club.

Kelly's mishap took place at Docklands in March 2012 when he landed heavily while attempting a daredevil-style jump. Sore but unaware his hip had been smashed, he then completed a dual-rider backflip.

The 45-year-old isn't one to complain. So when he says his hip is "sort of all right but not what it used to be", it can be assumed it's still giving him considerable grief.

A year later Skilton experienced graver problems.

A decade after having his first hip replacement, Skilton underwent the same procedure on his left side.

A scheduled week-long stint in hospital dragged into an enforced five-month stay as Skilton suffered a serious infection and was subjected to five operations.

Asked how dicey his condition became, he merely says he was "very sick". Or so he's told. He has little memory of the worst periods.

Skilton, who will be 76 in November, is progressively walking further and was recently given permission to hit a golf ball. 

One of his many well-wishers was Kelly.

"'Skilts' and I have a great relationship, and over the past couple of years we've become closer than ever," Kelly says. "He was calling me when I did my hip, and then I was calling him when he had his problems. When you're a bit down and out, it's good to know the people you respect are thinking of you."

Skilton: "We've become close friends. It's nothing to do with the number 14, it's about the person, and Kel is as genuine a bloke as you'll meet."

* The full version of this story appears in the preliminary final edition of the AFL Record, which also includes a comprehensive guide to this year’s Brownlow Medal.