Craig Kelly Biography

Collingwood president Jeff Browne says he fully backs CEO Craig Kelly after new allegations of racism came to light.

"From my experience, he's doing an outstanding job as a CEO of this football club," Browne said.

"He has the full support of the board and my full support."

Collingwood defends its commitment to a "safe and inclusive" workplace after the club and its chief executive, Craig Kelly, faced fresh allegations of racism in court documents filed on Monday.

Mark Cleaver, the club's former head of First Nations strategy, is the sole applicant in the documents filed in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, while the Collingwood Football Club is the only respondent.

"Collingwood continues to work hard on our commitment of ensuring our environment and workplace is welcoming, safe and inclusive at all times, on and off the field," the club said.

"We take all matters raised seriously and when the former staff member raised matters internally in March this year, the club looked into those concerns in line with our organisation's workplace policies and procedures.

"In addition to the internal process which took place, an external expert was engaged to review the findings. Both processes found no breach of workplace law."

Craig Kelly is appointed as the Magpies' CEO.

"Craig Kelly is an extremely well-rounded professional and a highly respected person within the football community who has the ideal skillset to be the CEO of our great club," Collingwood president Jeff Browne said.

"Craig understands better than most the requirements of a strong and successful football club. His three decades of vast experience in managing AFL and key sporting talent, driving a high-performance environment and delivering successful results was a key factor in his appointment."

Will Kelly decides against wearing his father Craig Kelly's No.23 jumper at Collingwood and will wear No.27 instead.

"I decided not to take it. I just think it's best to get out of the spotlight and try and forge my own path," Kelly said.

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

Collingwood secures father-son prospect Will Kelly after being forced to match a bid from Adelaide at pick No.29.

Craig Kelly was happy to see his son drafted to the Magpies.

"Because it's Collingwood, the relationship with a lot of people down there, it's pretty special," Craig said.

"He can run, he can mark, he can kick and he doesn't pinch and carry on like an idiot so he's well ahead of me."

Collingwood father-son prospect Will Kelly is hopeful of getting drafted to Collingwood where his father, Craig Kelly, played 122 games, including the 1990 premiership.

"We've had a few chats and Collingwood has made it clear that they're interested in me. But as of the moment there's not a concrete guarantee that it's going to happen," Will said.

"So I'm waiting to see what happens at the end of the year and, if I am lucky enough to be drafted, it'll be amazing.

"I've barracked for the Pies my whole life and it would be pretty amazing to be able to stay in Melbourne to be close to my mates and family."

A Christmas visit home brought unpleasant reminders for Jake Kelly that the Crows fell short in the 2017 Grand Final.

His father Craig Kelly was part of Collingwood's drought-breaking 1990 premiership side, and the his medallion from that day takes pride of place in the family home.

"I saw my old man's premiership medal when I walked downstairs to the car each time, so every time I looked at that it dawned on me I wasn't a premiership player," Kelly told 5AA radio.

"We had a great opportunity to all become one, but we didn't, and little things like Richmond being on TV or Facebook or social media – whatever it may be – are the ones that really get me personally."