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Kelly to forge own AFL path with Magpies

3 minute read

Collingwood's draftees have been presented with their new guernseys and Will Kelly will wear No.27.

Collingwood recruit Will Kelly has followed his father's footsteps to play for the Magpies in the AFL but he won't wear his dad's number.

Craig Kelly wore No.23 for in every one of his 122 games for the club and the number is available following the delisting of Sam McLarty.

It was offered to Will but, keen to make his own way in the AFL, he has chosen to wear No.27.

The Pies' other draftees Isaac Quaynor and Atu Bosenavulagi were presented with the No.35 and No.40 guernseys respectively at a function at the Salvation Army's Magpie Nest Cafe on Saturday.

"I just think it's best to get out of the spotlight and try and forge my own path," Kelly said of his decision.

"It was open to take but I thought it was a better thing if I don't.

"... there will be a bit of attention but I'm just like every other player, every other draftee.

"Every other player has that attention and focus on them so I've just got to take it in my stride."

Adelaide, keen to pair Will with his brother Jake Kelly, made a bid at pick No.29 in the second round of the draft on Friday.

But the Pies didn't hesitate to match that bid to claim the 196cm key defender, who will have a modified start to pre-season training as he recovers from an ankle stress fracture.

Kelly joins fellow father-son recruits Darcy Moore, Josh Daicos, Callum and Tyler Brown at the club.

Moore is the only player who wears his dad's number - Peter Moore's No.30.

Kelly was one of six father-son recruits at the 2018 draft.

He joined Rhylee West (Western Bulldogs, son of Scott), Joel Crocker (North Melbourne, son of Darren), Ben Silvagni (Carlton, son of Stephen), Oscar Brownless (Geelong, son of Billy) and Bailey Scott (North Melbourne, son of Robert) in finding an AFL home.

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