EVERY number tells a story.
On the back of a preliminary final in 2025, Carlton’s AFLW side welcomed five new recruits in a hurry this off-season.
Lauren Bella and Claudia Whitfort (ex-Gold Coast) kicked things off, before they were joined by Brooke Boileau (Adelaide) on deadline day.
Then, just days later, Lily Baxter and Tayla McMillan found their way to the Blues via the draft, finalising Carlton’s list of 30 for 2026.
They received the perfect early Christmas present when arriving at IKON Park this week.
No.2 - Lauren Bella
Let’s keep a good thing going, shall we? As the games record holder at the Suns, new Blue Bella will retain the No.2 which she wore for her stint at Gold Coast. She’ll return to the number which has been in mothballs for 12 months. It’s a poignant number for Carlton’s AFLW program, having been worn by former captain Katie Loynes and former vice captain (and now assistant coach) Jess Dal Pos.
No.4 - Claudia Whitfort
What were we saying about keeping a good thing going? Just like her fellow Sun-turned-Blue, Whitfort retains her number which she not only wore at Gold Coast, but also during her time with St Kilda. With over 50 games of experience, Whitfort will add some extra midfield bounce to the Blues, sure to strike up a key partnership with locker buddy Abbie McKay.
No.8 - Lily Baxter
Let’s go, Lily. Carlton’s first-round pick in the 2025 Telstra AFLW Draft has been handed the No.8 jumper, with the Blues hopeful of a long-term recruit to settle into life at IKON Park. The South Australian won’t have to look far for a familiar face, slotting next to Poppy Scholz - a former SA teammate in 2024 - to her immediate left. Mua Laloifi is the record holder in the jumper for the Blues with 45 games across five seasons.
No.22 - Brooke Boileau
It wasn’t until the final minutes of deadline day at Marvel Stadium where Brooke Boileau got her wish to become a Blue. A former Rising Star nominee at Adelaide, Boileau is another exciting young talent that Carlton has added to its ranks. A member of the same draft class as Lila Keck, Boileau - who was selected with pick No.22 in her draft year - will wear the same number guernsey in Navy Blue.
No.26 - Tayla McMillan
Rounding things out is Tayla McMillan, with the young draftee realising a dream when she was drafted to the team her whole family supports. An exciting young midfielder from the Eastern Ranges, McMillan said on draft night that she has followed the game of Keeley Sherar intently. So, what better number than the No.26 - right next to the 2024 Carlton AFLW Best and Fairest winner?
