Every now and then, footy gives us a story that feels like it's been written for the romantics. For those of us who still get misty-eyed thinking about the grit of '90s Richmond, the heartbreaks and hopes that came with it — and the names that stayed loyal through the lean times.
The name Kellaway has long held a special place in Tigerland.
Duncan Kellaway — the stoic, unfussy, ultra-disciplined half-back who played 180 games in the yellow and black — was a Tiger you could always trust. The sort of player that didn't fill the highlight reels, but filled the hearts of Tiger fans with pride. A clubman in the truest sense.
His brother Andrew? All-Australian. Heart-on-sleeve player. 172 games of loyal service. Two brothers who gave their all during a period where rewards were few and the jumper meant everything.
Now, more than two decades later, the next chapter is quietly unfolding.
Enter: Louis Kellaway.
Eligible as a father-son selection this year, Louis has already carved out his own identity in the game. A classy, composed midfielder with a sharp footy brain, clean hands, and an unselfish style that mirrors the selfless values of his Tiger predecessors.
But what’s remarkable is just how deep the footy bloodlines run in Louis’ story.
On his dad’s side, there’s Duncan and Andrew — a combined 352 games for Richmond.
On his mum Alexandra’s side? Two more former AFL players — Nick and Ben Holland. And yes, that’s the same Ben Holland who wore the number 16 guernsey for Richmond, where he was teammates with Duncan… and ultimately, the connection that brought his parents together.
Talk about footy fate.
A Midfield Talent with a Modern Twist
This year, Louis has had a standout campaign. A key figure in South Australia's under-18 championship win, he averaged 24 touches a game and capped it off with a SANFL under-18 premiership with Sturt, collecting 17 disposals and a goal in the Grand Final.
He’s smart, he’s efficient, and he’s relentless — but not flashy. Sound familiar?
He’ll head to the AFL Draft Combine next month, one of 13 South Aussies invited. And with each performance, the possibility grows stronger: could he be the next Kellaway to walk down the Tigerland race?
The Influence of Family
Louis is the first to admit the enormous influence his dad has had on his football — not in the loud, pushy way, but in the methodical, thoughtful way that typified Duncan as a player.
“Dad’s been huge, especially this year. He helps set goals, gives me pre-game advice, and post-game feedback… it’s been massive,” Louis shared.
There’s no handouts at home either. Duncan, now a physio and rehab coach with the Crows, is strictly professional when it comes to his son. No special treatment. Just quiet support, wise counsel, and a standard to uphold.
And the rest of the family? They’re just as involved.
“Ben Holland was at the Tiges with Dad, that’s how my parents met,” Louis said. “They’re all keen to see how I’m tracking — especially this year.”
You can feel the love in this family’s footy connection — not just for the game, but for each other.
Tiger Ties — and a Dream that’s Grounded in Reality
Richmond has been watching. Closely. Louis has already spent time at Punt Road, including a week of pre-season training last year. He’s seen the club up close, met the players, soaked up the environment.
But he’s refreshingly mature about the draft process.
“It would obviously be really cool to play where Dad and a couple of my uncles played,” he said, “but I understand the club needs to do what’s best. I’d just be grateful for any opportunity.”
This isn’t a kid with stars in his eyes — it’s a young man with perspective.
He’s balanced footy with a university science degree. He’s walked his own path, not just inherited a legacy. He’s watched the highs and lows of his two teams — Richmond and Adelaide — and still holds the game close to his heart, not just in theory, but in how he plays it.
What’s Next?
The draft looms.
For Tiger fans, the idea of Louis Kellaway donning the sash feels like the perfect story. A tale that connects past to present. That reminds us why we love this club. That brings us back to the long days at the ‘G where the Kellaway boys held the backline together with tape, tenacity, and Tiger spirit.
But whether he ends up at Richmond or not, one thing is clear: Louis Kellaway is a Tiger by blood — and he’s built in the image of those who came before him.
And that, Tiger faithful, is something worth celebrating.