Kelli Stevens, the ex-wife of North Melbourne great Anthony Stevens, has publicly addressed the controversial events of her past, particularly in light of her son River being drafted into the AFL. This moment has not only marked a significant milestone for her family but has also brought long-buried memories to the surface, prompting Kelli to reflect on the challenges and personal growth she has experienced over the years.
In a recent interview, Kelli opened up about the tumultuous period that followed her high-profile marriage to Anthony Stevens, a legendary figure in North Melbourne’s history. The couple’s divorce, which came after years of public scrutiny and personal hardship, was surrounded by accusations and media attention, leaving Kelli to navigate a difficult and often isolating journey. Despite the challenges, she remains focused on her son River’s success and the pride she feels as a mother watching her son take the next step in his football career.
The Stevens family’s story has often been in the public eye, with Kelli at times finding herself at the center of controversy. She reflected on the years following the breakdown of her marriage to Anthony, during which there was considerable media speculation surrounding the details of their split. However, Kelli emphasized that much of what was reported was far from the truth, and she has since worked hard to rebuild her life. Over time, Kelli has managed to find a sense of peace and has been supportive of her children, ensuring they are able to focus on their own paths while remaining resilient amid the pressures of their public profile.
Now, with River’s draft selection, the family is once again in the spotlight, but this time the focus is on his accomplishments rather than personal drama. River’s achievement is a testament to his talent and hard work, and Kelli has been by his side every step of the way, offering unwavering support. For Kelli, the success of her son is a symbol of how far she and her family have come, and it provides a sense of closure to the struggles they endured years ago.
She also spoke about the lessons she’s learned from those difficult times. Kelli highlighted the importance of resilience, self-care, and the ability to move forward despite setbacks. “The past is something you can’t change, but you can learn from it,” Kelli shared. “I’ve focused on making sure my kids were always my priority, and seeing River now, making it to the AFL, makes it all feel worth it.”
As River embarks on his professional football career, Kelli is proud of the person he has become. She described him as determined, grounded, and ready to face the challenges that come with life in the public eye. “He’s worked incredibly hard to get to this point,” she said. “It’s his moment, and I couldn’t be prouder as his mother.”
Throughout her journey, Kelli Stevens has learned to embrace the changes in her life and find strength in the love she shares with her children. She has worked diligently to separate herself from the controversies of the past and build a future that is defined by her family’s accomplishments. For her, River’s success is a new chapter, a reminder that no matter how difficult the past may have been, there is always room for hope, growth, and happiness in the future.
As River steps into his new role as an AFL player, Kelli will continue to support him, just as she has for all of his years. The lessons from the past will always be part of their story, but they no longer define them. Instead, Kelli is focused on the future and the bright prospects that lie ahead for her son, her family, and herself.