Carlton’s new AFLW captain follows famous father
Oliver Caffrey |
Carlton star Abbie McKay will become the first AFLW player to captain the same club her father led.
Twenty-two years after dad Andrew – who played 244 AFL games – stepped up to captain the Blues in the absence of Brett Ratten, McKay will be Carlton’s sole AFLW captain for the upcoming season.
It comes after long-time skipper Kerry Peterson was placed on the inactive list as she prepares for the birth of her first child.
“I am so honoured and so excited to be named as captain,” McKay, 24, said.
“It is hard to believe that just a few years ago I wasn’t getting picked in the side, so if my appointment is anything to go by it is to dream big.
“I have so many incredible people around me and I know leadership is not a role for one person: our team has a one-in-all-in mentality.
“I am grateful that leaders who have come before me such as Kerryn Peterson, Darcy Vescio and Breann Harrington (nee Moody) have set a standard that has empowered our group to take this program to another level in the coming years.”
McKay will be joined in the leadership group by fellow gun midfielder Mimi Hill, former Gold Coast player Tara Bohanna and experienced defender Harriet Cordner.
“Abbie is not only an exceptional footballer but also a very natural leader: seeing her growth in this space in recent years is something our entire club is incredibly proud of,” Carlton coach Matthew Buck said.
AAP
