DARCY Vescio is staying in Blue after signing a two year contract to remain with the Carlton Football Club. 

Vescio is an inaugural Game Changer, having signed as a marquee player in 2016, and from that point has marked themselves as one of the most formidable forwards in the history of AFLW. 

Vescio was the first person to reach 50 goals in AFLW history, and in season seven became the first Carton AFLW player to reach the 50-game milestone. 

They received All-Australian honours in 2017 and 2021, took Mark of the Year in 2017, and was the competition’s leading goalkicker in their All-Australian years. 

The 29-year-old has established themselves as a leader, which was further cemented in 2022 when they were voted co-vice captain by their peers. 

Vescio proved they were an asset at both ends of the field in season seven, making the move to the backline when required, further proving the team-first approach they embody. 

Vescio acknowledged the recent challenges in the AFLW program but is confident the playing group is galvanised and ready to get to work. 

“We’re currently experiencing a period of change, but that only makes the playing group more motivated to push ourselves and create opportunities as we get set to launch into this next era for the program,” Vescio said. 

“I couldn’t picture myself playing football anywhere but Carlton so the decision to stay felt true and I can’t wait to get to work ahead of the 2023 season. 

“I truly believe in the direction this Club is heading, as do the rest of the players, and we’re ready to take ownership of driving this program from within and our performances.” 

Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said Vescio is synonymous with the Club’s AFLW program and will continue to lead on and off the field. 

“Darcy is an integral part of our AFLW program, and we are thrilled to have them remain with the Club for a further two years,” Lloyd said. 

“As one of our senior players, Darcy understands where we’ve been, where we want to get to and is determined to help build the program and lift standards from within. 

“Darcy is relentless on-field and united in their approach off-field, which makes them an excellent representative for this Club, and we look forward to creating more history together in the coming years.”