Louis Kellaway is poised to continue a storied football legacy, deeply rooted in his family history. As the son of former Richmond Tiger Duncan Kellaway, Louis is eligible to join the club as a father-son selection in this year’s draft. His football lineage extends further, with his uncle Andrew Kellaway having played 172 games for the Tigers.
However, Louis’ football heritage is not confined to his father’s side. On his mother Alexandra’s side, his uncles Nick and Ben Holland also boast impressive AFL careers. In total, these family members have amassed 722 games of experience, providing Louis with a wealth of knowledge and guidance.
Guidance from a Football Family
Louis acknowledges the significant role his father has played in his development. “Dad has been huge, especially this year. 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,” Louis shared with AFL.com.au.
He continued, “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, and then after the game talks about what I did well and what I could work on. He’s been a big influence.”
Louis’ uncles, Nick and Ben Holland, have also been supportive. “Ben Holland was at the Tiges with Dad, that’s how my parents met, and my uncles are always interested to see how I’m going and how I’m faring, especially this year with a big under-18s year,” he noted.
A Stellar Under-18s Year
This year has been pivotal for Louis, who played a key role in South Australia’s under-18 championships victory mid-season and capped off his campaign with a win in Sturt’s under-18 SANFL Grand Final. His performance was marked by standout skills and ball use, averaging 24 touches per game and contributing significantly in the win over West Adelaide.
Next month, Louis will participate in 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 said, emphasizing the team-first mentality instilled by coach Tony Bamford.
“The big thing and our focus at the championships was to play for each other. From the start ‘Bangers’ made that a real focus. We had our team phrase ‘You plus me equals we’.” – Louis Kellaway
Beyond the Field: Family and Education
Duncan Kellaway’s influence extends beyond the field. As Adelaide’s physio and rehab coach since 2012, Duncan provides Louis with invaluable insights into physical preparation, although Louis admits, “He saves it for the players he reckons.”
The family’s loyalty is tested during Crows and Tigers matches. “They’re my two teams. I go for them unless they’re playing each other, so I’m always rooting for them,” Louis said. “The 2017 Grand Final was a bit of a tough one… I think I was going for the Tigers as the underdogs.”
Richmond has been closely monitoring Louis’ progress, having involved him in training sessions and club activities. The Tigers have had only two father-son selections since 2003, and Louis could be the next.
“It would obviously be really cool to play where Dad and a couple of my uncles played, but I have a really good understanding of the system and the Tiges have to do what’s best for the club. I’d just be grateful for the opportunity to play anywhere.” – Louis Kellaway
Off the field, Louis is pursuing a science degree at university, following his graduation last year. “I went down the science pathway because it’s so broad, so I could get an understanding of what I wanted to do,” he explained, adding that he is focusing on biology, geology, and environmental subjects.
Looking Ahead
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.
With a strong support system and a rich football heritage, Louis Kellaway is well-positioned to make his mark in the AFL, carrying forward the legacy of his family while forging his own path.
