Louis Kellaway eyes Richmond father-son selection at AFL draft
Louis Kellaway’s dad played 180 games for Richmond, and he has three uncles with AFL experience. But the Tigers are still scrambling for a way to bring in the talented midfielder. See why.
Richmond father-son prospect Louis Kellaway says it would be “really cool” to follow in his dad’s footsteps at Punt Rd as the Tigers search for a draft pick which would allow them to match a bid on the South Australian midfielder.
Richmond is yet to commit to selecting Kellaway as a father-son in this year’s national draft, but the club has kept a keen eye on him throughout the year and visited the 18-year-old’s Adelaide home last month where some potential draft scenarios were discussed.
Tigers recruiting manager Rhy Gieschen said last week that Kellaway had enjoyed an “ultra-consistent” year and the club would match a bid on him if he was at the top of their list when a rival club called his name.
The son of 180-game Richmond midfielder Duncan, Kellaway impressed for the title-winning South Australia during the under-18 national championships this year and was also part of Sturt’s premiership team in the SANFL under-18s.
A big improver this year, the 180cm prospect is a one-touch player who uses the ball well by hand and foot, has high footy IQ and has developed a strong defensive pressure game.
“I’m not the biggest, strongest guy, but I put a bit of work into that and felt I was tackling a lot better this year and sticking more tackles and having a bit more of an impact with my bodywork around stoppages,” Kellaway said.
“I still reckon midfield’s probably my prime position, around the footy. But I feel like I’m pretty versatile outside of that. I played a bit of half forward and half back in the state carnival, which is a bit new.”
Richmond currently only holds picks 3 and 4 in next month’s draft, but could secure a third selection from as part of Tylar Young’s expected trade to West Coast this week.
The Tigers could also execute a trade which would see them move a future pick for 2026 or 2027 into this year’s draft.
Kellaway only interviewed with two clubs during the national draft combine earlier this month, with rivals expecting that he will land at Punt Rd.
“It would be really cool,” Kellaway said of that prospect.
“I had a couple of uncles play there as well, so it would be nice to continue the legacy. But I’d be grateful for the opportunity to play anywhere, really. I understand how the system works and I just want to see how I go at AFL level.”
Kellaway’s bloodlines are impeccable, with his father Duncan being just one of four members of the family tree to have played football at the highest level.
Duncan’s brother, Andrew, also played 172 games for Richmond, while Louis has two uncles on his mother Alexandra’s side who also played AFL football in Nick and Ben Holland.
All three of them live in Melbourne, which would make any move east from Adelaide a little easier.
“I’ve got plenty of family and friends here,” Kellaway said while seated in the grandstand at the MCG.
“But we’ll see what happens.”
Originally published as Louis Kellaway eyes Richmond father-son selection at AFL draft
From starting her own women’s team to a top draft contender
