THE CARLTON Football Club is thrilled to confirm Abbie McKay will become the Club’s sole AFLW captain in 2025.

In 2024, McKay helped lead the side with poise and maturity whilst putting in strong and consistent performances throughout, with the 24-year-old establishing herself as a vital part of the Blues’ emerging midfield.

Her progression as a player has mirrored McKay’s exceptional development as a leader – 12 months on from stepping up as a vice captain of the side alongside Mimi Hill, who will retain the title for a third consecutive season.

A family legacy continues with McKay taking the reins of the Blues captaincy, 22 years after her father Andrew stepped into the role in the absence of Brett Ratten in 2003.

A standout last season, McKay ranked fourth in contested possessions and fifth in the league for average clearances, rightfully earning her a spot on the Blues’ best and fairest podium for the third consecutive season.

“I am so honoured and so excited to be named as captain. 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,” McKay said.

“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 [née Moody] have set a standard that has empowered our group to take this program to another level in the coming years.”

Alongside McKay, Hill is part of a core emerging group that is set to lead the Club’s AFLW program into the future.

Missing only one game in the past three seasons, placing equal fourth in last season's best fairest, Hill is a versatile player and passionate leader, with her explosive speed and efficient ball use key features of her game.  

Taking on further responsibility in the past few seasons, Hill was named as the stand-in captain in multiple matches throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons, with Kerryn Peterson sidelined due to injury. 

Earlier this year the Club confirmed that Peterson would be placed on the inactive list, as she is expecting her first child with husband Joel.

Joining alongside McKay and Hill will be Tara Bohanna and Harriet Cordner, with the pair to add a wealth of experience in what is a well-rounded leadership group.

Bohanna joined Carlton in last year’s trade period from the Gold Coast Suns, where she was a three-time leading goalkicker for the northern club.

Cordner, a dominant force who earned a spot in the All-Australian squad last season, was named the Most Valuable Bluebagger and received the Blues’ Coaches Award in 2024.

Carlton AFLW Senior Coach Mathew Buck said there is no question that McKay is the right fit to lead the side, supported strongly by those around here.

“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,” Buck said. 

“Both Abbie and Mimi carry themselves in a manner that is highly regarded and respected here at Carlton and are never afraid to drive greater standards in the group.

“With both players 24 and 22 respectively, they have a platform to lead this club for almost the next decade, and to have them supported in the leadership group by well-regarded and established leaders in Harriet and Tara has the direction of our playing group in a great position.  

“Kerryn has been an exceptional leader of our football club and while that title may not be official for her this season, her impact and energy she brings to the group is already proving a benefit throughout the pre-season."