Louis Kellaway’s football lineage is a tapestry woven with rich AFL history. As the son of former Richmond Tigers player Duncan Kellaway, Louis is poised to join the club under the father-son rule in this year’s draft. His uncle, Andrew Kellaway, also left his mark with 172 games for the Tigers. But the football legacy doesn’t end there. On his mother’s side, Louis is connected to former AFL players Nick and Ben Holland, bringing the total family experience to a staggering 722 games.
“Dad has been huge, especially this year,” Louis told 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.”
This development follows Louis’ impressive performance in South Australia’s under-18 championships and a triumphant campaign with Sturt’s under-18 SANFL Grand Final. The young midfielder’s skills have been on full display, averaging 24 touches and showcasing his ball use and strategic play.
Family Ties and Football Wisdom
Louis’ journey is not just about individual talent but also the collective wisdom from his family. Duncan Kellaway, who has been Adelaide’s physio and rehab coach since 2012, offers invaluable insights both on and off the field. “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 shared.
Meanwhile, his uncles, Nick and Ben Holland, maintain a keen interest in his progress, reflecting a family deeply rooted in the sport. “Ben Holland was at the Tiges with Dad, that’s how my parents met,” Louis explained, highlighting the intertwined nature of his family’s football connections.
On the Path to AFL Stardom
As Louis gears up for the Telstra AFL Draft Combine in Melbourne, he stands among 13 promising prospects from South Australia. His focus remains on proving himself against the best. “I wanted to show this year I could go with the best,” he said, emphasizing the team spirit fostered by coach Tony Bamford during the championships.
“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’.”
The Richmond Tigers have been closely monitoring Louis’ progress, having involved him in club activities over recent years. The club has a history of nurturing father-son talents, with Patrick Naish and Maurice Rioli Jr. being recent examples. “It would obviously be really cool to play where Dad and a couple of my uncles played,” Louis remarked, though he remains open to opportunities across the AFL.
Balancing Academics and Athletics
Having graduated from school last year, Louis is now pursuing a science degree at university, balancing his academic interests with his football ambitions. “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, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to his future beyond the field.
As the AFL Draft approaches, Louis Kellaway stands at the cusp of a promising career, drawing strength from his family’s legacy and his own burgeoning talent. His journey is a testament to the enduring impact of football bloodlines and the new chapters they inspire.
