North Melbourne forward Paul Curtis has found himself in a unique position—as a budding AFL star and a devoted father—juggling both roles with remarkable resilience. As he steps onto the field, he carries not only the weight of his team's ambitions but also the joy and responsibility of parenthood, especially since his son, Elijah, was born in January 2023.
It was a significant moment when Curtis played his 50th game in 2024, running through the North Melbourne banner at Marvel Stadium with Elijah in his arms. The sight was heartwarming, showcasing the half-forward's dual life as an athlete and a parent. Earlier this year, at the Roos' pre-season team photo day, two-year-old Elijah matched his dad, sporting a mini long-sleeved No. 25 jumper, solidifying their bond both on and off the field.
However, Curtis's journey into fatherhood wasn't without its hesitations. Surprisingly, he didn't share the news of his son with his teammates until Elijah was nearly six months old. Curtis explained to AFL.com.au, "A lot of the boys thought I was joking. I’d tell them out on the track and they’d ask me for birth certificates and photos.” His reluctance was rooted in a desire to separate his personal life from his budding career in professional football. "I’m a pretty insular person. I just didn’t feel the need to tell everyone," he admitted.
Reflecting on the moment he learned about Elijah's impending arrival, Curtis recalled receiving the unexpected news during the latter part of his debut season in 2022. His ex-partner Michaela, with whom he had separated several months earlier, briefed him about her pregnancy over the phone, a conversation that turned his world upside down. “We had been together for about five years, but hadn’t spoken for a little bit by then when she let me know. It was definitely a big surprise,” he said.
Initially reluctant to embrace the idea of fatherhood publicly, Curtis only told close family members. He expressed concern about how his personal life would be perceived in the football community and felt overwhelmed by the prospect of becoming a father at a young age. “It is a really special thing, but there was maybe the thought that I wasn’t trying to have one,” he reflected. “People are super proud to try and proud when they do have one. I, of course, am as well; it was just how I handled it.”
Once Elijah arrived, Curtis focused on securing his place in the Kangaroos' lineup while continuing to keep his fatherhood under wraps. Just before the baby’s birth, he traveled to Europe with teammates and felt compelled to confide in them about his new role. Yet, he asked them to keep it a secret. “Telling people was the hardest thing for me. Once I told everyone, it was a weight off my shoulders,” he confessed.
When he finally revealed his fatherhood, the reactions were not what he expected. Coach Alastair Clarkson was among the first to guess the news. Curtis recalled, “I pulled him aside for a chat and I was like, ‘Oh Clarko, I’ve got something to tell ya, it’s pretty exciting for me,’ and he’s like, ‘You’ve got a baby!’ And I said, ‘Yeah!’” Curtis's teammates welcomed the news with open arms, expressing surprise at not knowing sooner and offering support in this new chapter of his life.
“Everyone was saying, ‘Why didn’t you just tell us in the first place? We don’t care.’ My teammates love him like I do,” Curtis noted with undeniable warmth. His fellow players often ask when they can meet Elijah and are excited to be part of his life. Living with teammates like Cooper Harvey and Miller Bergman not only provides camaraderie but also helps with co-parenting duties when needed. If Curtis has to step out, his housemates often step in to care for Elijah, contributing to the nurturing environment he has cultivated.
Despite his youth, now at 22, Curtis has matured through the challenges of fatherhood. His new relationship with girlfriend Kelera has also flourished, especially after sharing the news of Elijah. “I said to her ... ‘I’ve got a baby’ and she was exceptional. She was actually quite happy because she loves kids and wants a lot of kids as well,” he reported. Kelera’s involvement—working at Elijah’s daycare and helping with pickups—has been a blessing, allowing Curtis to maintain his focus on football while ensuring that Elijah is never short of love and attention.
After a standout 2024 season where he kicked 30 goals, Curtis aims to elevate his game further, with a personal target set for 40 goals in 2025. He has been diligently working to enhance his skills, recently cutting his 2km time trial down to an impressive 6:30 minutes and studying established players like Tyson Stengle to develop his game. Just last week, he showcased his capabilities by scoring three goals against the Western Bulldogs.
Curtis's commitment to football extends beyond his individual aspirations; it also encompasses his desire to provide a bright future for Elijah. Recently, he signed a longer contract that will keep him with the Kangaroos through the end of 2028. “I want to give Elijah the best life I can and support him as a co-parent,” he shared. As he ponders the future, Curtis dreams of Elijah participating in the Roos' father-son clinics, a rite of passage for many sons of AFL players. “It is really special and I hope he can look up to me one day,” he said, underscoring the enduring bond they share.
