Collingwood young defender Will Kelly has signed a one-year contract extension with the Club.

Son of Collingwood premiership player Craig Kelly, the 22-year-old joined the Pies as a father-son pick in the 2018 AFL National Draft.

Kelly made his AFL debut in 2020 and over the past four years has mostly developed his football craft through the Pies’ VFL program where he has shown he has the versatility to play as a forward and in the backline.

Collingwood GM of Football Graham Wright said he was looking forward to seeing Kelly further develop as a footballer.

“We see a lot of potential in Will based on what he has shown us during his time in the VFL and his few appearances at AFL level,” Wright said.

“While he hasn’t had much opportunity in the AFL due to injury, we believe we will see Will’s football progress in 2023 and utilise his athleticism more across both programs next year.

“As a versatile tall, Will can play both ends of the ground and we are eager to see what he will bring next season.”