Loving life at Carlton 

Brooke Boileau spoke to Carlton Media on why she made the move, reuniting with Poppy Scholz, and the culture at the Blues. 

Having made the move from the Crows, the young forward has had no trouble fitting into her new colours, with Boileau describing her transition as smooth and seamless, after just a few months at IKON Park. 

“My transition over has been so smooth. Everyone’s been so welcoming, making the move over so seamless for me.” Boileau, Adelaide’s first selection in the 2023 draft, and a 2025 Rising Star nominee, said.

A breakout season in 2025 saw Brooke average 10 disposals and five tackles in the Adelaide forward line, earning herself AFLPA 22 Under 22 honours and a Rising Star nomination in Round 7 before arrival at IKON Park.

“The culture has been so awesome, everyone is welcoming all of us new girls with open arms, giving a helping hand with anything that we need,” she said.  

“They’ve obviously improved so much over the years, but that culture piece and connection is something that I’m looking for, and hopefully we can show that this year.”  

The Club has had a mixture of new recruits join over the off-season, including former Gold Coast duo Claudia Whitfort and Lauren Bella, along with draftee’s Tayla McMillan and Lily Baxter

“Obviously there’s a bit of a mixture of age as well, with some younger and Claude’s and Lauren being a bit older,” Boileau said.

“It’s really good for me personally, I love learning off more experienced players, but also the young ones as well. They are so talented.”  

After making the preliminary final last year through fast ball movement and young talent that can score quickly, Boileau, known for her speed and agility, is looking to contribute to the Carlton side and go one step further in 2026. 

“It’d be something special to make the prelim again and then go one step further. I’m hoping I can contribute in any way,” she said. 

A familiar face has also eased Brooke’s transition into life at the Blues, with the forward reuniting with young Carlton star, Poppy Scholz, after previously playing state football for SANFL together.  

“I’m so keen to play with Pop, she’s gone leaps and bounds from when we played state a few years ago, she was outstanding last year,” Boileau said. 

“It’s also having a little bit of home here still, it’s so nice to have them [Poppy Scholz and Lily Baxter] here.”