Louis Kellaway, a promising young footballer, is poised to carry on a rich family tradition in the Australian Football League (AFL). As the son of former Richmond Tigers player Duncan Kellaway, Louis is eligible to join Richmond as a father-son selection in this year’s draft. His family’s deep-rooted connection to the sport extends beyond his father; his uncle Andrew Kellaway also played 172 games for the Tigers, while his maternal uncles, Nick and Ben Holland, have left their mark on the AFL as well.
With a remarkable 722 games of experience between his father and uncles, Louis Kellaway has a wealth of knowledge to draw upon. “Dad has been huge, especially this year,” Kellaway shared with AFL.com.au. “He helped set a few goals for me and obviously he knows what it’s like to play at the level and go through the process.”
Family Influence and Football Heritage
The Kellaway family’s football legacy is not just a source of pride but also a guiding force for Louis. His father, Duncan, has been instrumental in shaping his approach to the game. “He told me about what I needed to do to get there and every week he has a bit of feedback pre-game depending on the opposition,” Louis explained. “He’s been a big influence.”
Ben Holland, who played alongside Duncan at Richmond, also plays a significant role in Louis’ life. “Ben was at the Tiges with Dad, that’s how my parents met, and my uncles are always interested to see how I’m going,” Louis said. This familial support has been particularly important during his pivotal under-18s year.
Achievements and Upcoming Challenges
Louis Kellaway’s under-18s season has been impressive, marked by his participation in South Australia’s under-18 championships win and a victory in Sturt’s under-18 SANFL Grand Final. His skills as a midfielder have shone, with a standout performance of 17 disposals and a goal against West Adelaide, finishing the year with an average of 24 touches per game.
Next month, Kellaway will showcase his talents at the Telstra AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne, joining 12 other prospects from South Australia. “I wanted to show this year I could go with the best,” he stated, emphasizing the team’s collective spirit. “The big thing and our focus at the championships was to play for each other. From the start ‘Bangers’ (coach Tony Bamford) made that a real focus.”
Richmond’s Interest and Future Prospects
Richmond has been closely monitoring Kellaway’s progress, having integrated him into the club for training sessions in recent years. The Tigers have a history of father-son selections, with Patrick Naish in 2017 and Maurice Rioli Jr. in 2020. “It would obviously be really cool to play where Dad and a couple of my uncles played,” Louis admitted. “I’d just be grateful for the opportunity to play anywhere.”
His father’s role as Adelaide’s physio and rehab coach since 2012, following a stint at Geelong, has also been beneficial. “He saves it for the players he reckons,” Louis joked, acknowledging the advantage of having expert guidance at home.
Balancing Academics and Athletic Aspirations
Having graduated from school last year, Louis has embarked on a science degree at university, balancing his academic pursuits with his football ambitions. “I went down the science pathway because it’s so broad,” he explained, noting his interest in biology, geology, and environmental subjects.
As Louis prepares for the upcoming AFL Draft Combine, he remains focused on the present. “Now I’m looking ahead to the Combine and am preparing for that, and trying to live in the moment rather than thinking ahead about what the future holds too much,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As Louis Kellaway continues to make strides in his football career, the legacy of his family serves as both a foundation and an inspiration. With the support of his family and the skills he has honed over his formative years, Louis is well-positioned to make his mark in the AFL, whether at Richmond or another club.
His journey is a testament to the enduring influence of family ties in sports, and Louis Kellaway is poised to add his own chapter to the storied history of the Kellaway and Holland families in Australian football.
