Louis Kellaway’s journey to the AFL draft is a story of rich football heritage and personal ambition. The young prospect, eligible to join Richmond as a father-son selection, carries the legacy of his father, former Tiger Duncan Kellaway, and his uncle Andrew, who collectively played 172 games for the Tigers. Yet, Louis’ football lineage extends beyond his father’s side, with his maternal uncles, Nick and Ben Holland, also being former AFL players.
In total, Kellaway has an impressive 722 games of family experience 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 Ties and Football Insights
Louis Kellaway’s football journey is not only shaped by his father’s influence but also by the support of his uncles. “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,” he said. This familial support has been crucial in a pivotal under-18s year for Kellaway, who played a significant role in South Australia’s under-18 championships victory and Sturt’s under-18 SANFL Grand Final win.
The midfielder’s skills have been highlighted by his performance, averaging 24 touches and scoring a goal in the victory over West Adelaide. Next month, Kellaway will showcase his talents at the Telstra AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne, joining 12 other South Australian prospects.
Coaching and Mentorship
Under the guidance of coach Tony Bamford, Kellaway focused on teamwork and selflessness. “The big thing and our focus at the championships was to play for each other,” he explained. “We had our team phrase ‘You plus me equals we’.” This philosophy contributed to the team’s success and Kellaway’s development as a player.
Duncan Kellaway’s influence extends beyond tactical advice; as Adelaide’s physio and rehab coach since 2012, he provides Louis with insights into physical preparation, although Louis notes, “He saves it for the players he reckons.”
Balancing Legacy and Personal Goals
Richmond has been closely monitoring Kellaway’s progress, having integrated him into their training sessions. The Tigers have only had two father-son selections since 2003, making Kellaway’s potential inclusion significant. “It would obviously be really cool to play where Dad and a couple of my uncles played,” Louis said. “I’d just be grateful for the opportunity to play anywhere.”
Meanwhile, Kellaway has balanced his football aspirations with academic pursuits, having graduated from school and begun a science degree. “I went down the science pathway because it’s so broad,” he said, indicating a strategic approach to his education akin to his football career.
Looking Ahead
As Kellaway prepares for the 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 stated.
With a strong support system and a clear vision, Louis Kellaway stands poised to make his mark in the AFL, carrying forward a legacy of football excellence while forging his own path.
