‘Past is where it belongs’: Kelli Stevens speaks as son drafted to Roos

Kelli Stevens, the woman at the centre of one of footy’s biggest off-field scandals over her affair with Wayne Carey, has urged people to move on as her son, River, was drafted by his dad’s former AFL club.

First it was Wayne Carey pleading for people to get over his troubled past and now it’s Kelli Stevens who is wanting to leave the past behind.

Carey and Stevens, who were at the centre of one of footy’s biggest off-field scandals after their affair was exposed 22 years ago, have both urged people to move on.

Stevens, who was married to North Melbourne great Anthony Stevens, revealed her inner thoughts after their son, River, was drafted by his dad’s former AFL club last week.

The 18-year-old was picked up by North Melbourne with selection 67, following in the footsteps of his father, who played 292 games for the Kangaroos and won two premierships in a decorated career.

Kelli Stevens with her husband, AFL player Anthony Stevens.

Kelli and Anthony Stevens.

“I have to share these thoughts and words as has been on my mind for a while now. I feel now is an appropriate time,” Stevens wrote on social media.

“The past is where it belongs ......... behind us.

“As parents, our choices, challenges, and lessons have shaped us, but they are ours to own and grow from.

“They do not define our children or their journeys. They are on their own life path.

“My son, River, is stepping into an incredible chapter of his life with the North Melbourne Kangaroos.

“This is his journey, his dreams, his challenges, his triumphs.

“Let’s support and celebrate the future he is building for himself, free from the shadows of the past.

Carey and Stevens were at the centre of one of footy’s biggest off-field scandals after their affair was exposed. Picture: Getty Images

Kelli Stevens with her son, River, who has just been drafted to North Melbourne.

“Life is about learning, growing, and supporting each other to find joy and happiness.

“The future is full of possibilities, and we all deserve to move forward with hope and positivity. XX River’s proud Mumma.”

Stevens ended the post with a blue and white love heart.

She and Stevens also share a daughter and she has a daughter with new partner Andrew Hall.

Stevens’ career has since flourished as a fitness trainer, mindset coach and online marketer.

Carey spoke on Sam Newman’s You Cannot Be Serious podcast last week, saying he was done living with “toxic shame” from past indiscretions.