Will Kelly, son of Collingwood premiership player Craig, continues to push AFL draft claims

THE SON of a Collingwood legend has elevated himself to a potential top-20 pick, after impressing at the AFL under-18 national championships.

A COLLINGWOOD father-son draft prospect has elevated himself to a potential top-20 pick, roaring up the draft boards after impressing at the AFL under-18 national championships.

Oakleigh Chargers defender Will Kelly was one of Vic Metro’s top performers at last month’s carnival, unlucky to miss out on All Australian selection after averaging 20 disposals in his final three games.

WILL KELLY, SON OF CRAIG KELLY, ON COLLINGWOOD’S RADAR

QUAYNOR PUSHES DRAFT CLAIMS

Chargers coach Leigh Clarke said Kelly, whose father Craig played in the Magpies’ 1990 premiership win across a 122-game career, had emerged as a possible first or second round pick.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 04: Kai Pudney of South Australia marks the ball against Will Kelly of Vic Metro during the U18 AFL Championship match between Vic Metro and South Australia at Etihad Stadium on July 4, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

In 2013 Collingwood passed on Kelly’s older brother Jake, who has gone on to establish himself in Adelaide’s backline after being thrown a rookie lifeline.

Clarke warned the Magpies not to make the same mistake.

“They put them up as No. 1, the King boys (Max and Ben), (Jack) Lukosius and these kids, well Will beats them,” Clarke said.

“Will’s beaten the King boys, he’s shown he can win one-on-ones against them and be really positive offensively as well and it’s got to land you among the top, top 20, top 30.

“I don’t put words in clubs’ mouths, definitely not Collingwood, but they passed up on Jake and he’s gone on to play in a grand final team, I’m not sure you can pass up on Will.”

Kelly returned for his first TAC Cup game in three months in Round 12 against Calder Cannons and was duly named among the best players, collecting 21 disposals and eight marks.

Clarke said the 193cm, 83kg key defender had grown in confidence with his ability to shut down an opponent, provide drive from defence and the agility to get around the ground.

“As his confidence grows and grows, how I picture him is a more co-ordinated Matt Scarlett — that’s how important he could be to a team,” he said.

“Scarlett was brilliant and you’ve got to be able to make comparisons these days with players, but that is how I see him as a game-changing defender.

“It’s just the building of his confidence … it’s the internals, the between the ears stuff where he has really found his feet because you see (he has) a real sense of belief in himself.”

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