Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
The Richmond draft prospect who has “flown under the radar”
Andrew Slevison • October 27th, 2025 9:45 am
There is a Richmond father-son prospect who has flown under the radar ahead of this year’s AFL Draft.
Louis Kellaway, the son of beloved 180-game Tiger Duncan, has put together a stellar 2025 campaign for SANFL club Sturt, winning the U18 premiership. He was also a key member of the triumphant South Australian U18 side in the National Championships.
Kellaway’s attributes as a classy midfielder with sure hands has attracted the eye of AFL draft guru Mick Ablett who has spoken highly of his ability.
“Louis has got a really nice change of pace, that’s what I like,” Ablett said on SEN Mornings.
“Obviously Duncan played 180 games at Richmond and was a super athlete.
“But this kid has got an awareness in traffic that is beyond his years. He’s very composed, very slick by hand in tight. He sees gaps, he has an ability to slip the ball through and that creates opportunities for his teammates on the outside.
“He’s a nice, balanced player. His kick-to-handball stuff is pretty even, so he’s not just purely a handball type, he’s got a really nice balance.
“He averaged 20 disposals at 81 per cent (efficiency) in the Under-18 Championships. He’s flown under the radar a little bit, I feel.”
The Tigers have been watching Kellaway closely and he would provide them with a point of difference after recently drafting taller midfielders in Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie.
“I think the Tigers will be stoked to get a young fella like that. He’s about 180-odd cm so he’s not a big mid as such,” he added.
“But with Lalor and Smillie coming in last year, he’ll give them a nice bit of speed and good stuff on the inside.”
Kellaway’s uncle Andrew also played for the Tigers as a hard-nosed defender over 172 games, while a pair of his other uncles on his mum’s side - Nick and Ben Holland - played for Hawthorn, and the Tigers and Melbourne respectively.
At the higher end of this year’s draft, clubs like the Tigers and Essendon need players with a bit of X-factor and pace through the midfield.
According to Ablett, they could be looking at a player like Sam Grlj.
The talented youngster impressed for Richmond’s VFL side late in the season - picking up 18 and 15 disposals in his two outings - and Ablett believes he is a potential draft diamond.
“I love Sam Grlj out of the Oakleigh Chargers,” Ablett said.
“He’s 182cm and ran a 2.93s 20-metre sprint, the ninth overall at the National Combine. He ran a 5.59s 2km trial so you talk about speed and endurance - this kid has got it in absolute spades.
“He was a Coates Team of the Year player. They even trusted him to take kick-ins at times on VFL debut, so that just speaks to his skill level and ability to hit targets.
“He loves to take the oppo on. He reminds me a little bit of Jordan Clark out of the Fremantle Dockers with his speed and his ability to really open the game up.
“Sam Grlj is one to keep an eye on. He’s got speed, endurance and the ability to do damage by foot.”
Grlj has been forecast as a top 10 to 15 pick in many draft guides.
The 2025 AFL Draft takes place on November 19 and 20.
