'The past is where it belongs': Shock as Kelli Stevens speaks out over Wayne Carey saga
Updated . First published
Former North Melbourne captain Anthony Stevens' ex-wife Kelli has spoken out over 20 years after her affair with his teammate, Wayne Carey.
Kelli took to social media after her son, River Stevens, shared with Anthony, was drafted as a father-son recruit to the Kangaroos in the 2024 AFL Draft.
The affair, which took place in 2002, saw Carey leave the Kangaroos in disgrace and his relationship with Stevens has still not been repaired to this day.
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Now, Stevens' ex-wife has chosen to finally speak out on the affair, after it reared its head when her son was drafted earlier in November.
Anthony Stevens' ex-wife Kelli with their son, River, who was drafted to the Kangaroos. Instagram
"I am sharing these thoughts and words as (they) have been on my mind for a while now," Kelli wrote on social media.
"I feel now is an appropriate time. The past is where it belongs………..behind us."
Kelli called for calm and requested that her past decisions did not impact her son's budding AFL career.
"As parents, our choices, challenges, and lessons have shaped us, but they are ours to own and grow from. They do not define our children or their journeys. They are on their own life path," she continued.
The post was headed by a photo of Kelli and River posing in a North Melbourne scarf.
Wayne Carey and Anthony Stevens of the Kangaroos celebrate their premiership in 1996. Getty
"My son, River, is stepping into an incredible chapter of his life with the North Melbourne Kangaroos," she said.
"This is his journey, his dreams, his challenges, his triumphs. Let's support and celebrate the future he is building for himself, free from the shadows of the past."
Stevens took over as captain after Carey's departure, with the star ending his career with Adelaide.
Stevens and Kelli remained married for six years after the affair.
In that time, River was born in 2006.
"Life is about learning, growing, and supporting each other to find joy and happiness," Kelli's post continued.
Anthony Stevens is greeted by his now ex-wife Kelli and daugher Ayva in 2004. Getty
"The future is full of possibilities, and we all deserve to move forward with hope and positivity.
"River's proud Mumma xx."
Stevens played 292 games and won two flags with the Roos.
