Darcy Vescio has quickly cemented herself as a fan favourite amongst Carlton supporters and football fans alike. 

Picked up by the Blues as a marquee signing, Vescio has proven her worth in the first three weeks of the inaugural NAB AFL Women’s season, with a starring role in Carlton’s emphatic 35-point win over the Magpies in front of just under 25,000 at Ikon Park.

Vescio was unsure of what to expect when things got underway for the girls at Carlton, but was pleased when she saw her teammates gel quickly.

“It’s been brilliant getting to know the girls and getting to experience what it’s like being on their team,” Vescio said.

“There’s a couple of girls I always battle with at a local level so getting to play with them and getting to know those girls has been a unique experience.”

The Blues have been lauded for their team performances, and for how they work on field as a unit. Vescio puts this down to the girls being so accommodating and open with one another.

“From the beginning we’ve understood that we need to get to know each other quickly. It’s been good to see how the girls are getting to know each other on the field and off it,” Vescio said.

“I think that’s definitely translating on the field. Footy’s all about putting your body on the line and doing something for someone else so if you trust them and you have a lot of belief in what they can do then you’re going to perform even better.”

Darcy Vescio kicks the ball in the opening round of AFLW. (Photo: AFL Media)

Despite the loss to Adelaide in Round 3, the Blues still find themselves in a favourable position just before the halfway mark of the season. Vescio acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead for the girls.

“We’ll have to bounce back strongly. Melbourne is obviously coming into the game with a lot of momentum,” she said.

“As much as it sucks losing, there’s no time to dwell. We’ve taken a few areas to improve upon and we’ll just have to try and burst into action straight away.”  

The last few weeks have shown fans of the AFLW how evenly matched the eight teams are.

Despite the uncertainty around results, Vescio believes her teammates have what it takes to push any side.

“We have to work harder now to get where we want to be. We’re still in a great position in the competition. Obviously Adelaide (1^st) and Brisbane (2^nd) have the best position at the moment but we’re still in reach,” she said.

“Because the games are so short you can win the game in the first half if you score quickly, because it is difficult to come back once you’re a couple of goals behind.”

Aside from starring on-field for Carlton, Vescio has also been busy in the media spotlight as one of the game’s star attractions. 

But it’s a responsibility the Blues' No.3 has embraced.

“It’s (the AFLW) sort of thrusting female athletes into the mainstream media and it’s just having so much reach,” Vescio said.

“Once you see women doing it, you’re like, ‘Oh, I can do that, I’ve always wanted to do it but I never thought it was something for me’. It’s just instilling so many women with confidence.”

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While playing footy is still the ultimate focus of Vescio and her teammates, shouldering the responsibility as a role model while still taking in the overwhelming amounts of support is also a priority.

“It’s a pretty beautiful time to be involved in the game - the fact we get to experience the inception and how it’s received by the public,” she said.

“I feel really lucky to be here, but I suppose the girls that get to be involved 20 years down the track will be even luckier. The players now deserve to be heroes, and all the little girls out there playing now deserve to have role models.”

Carlton takes on Melbourne in Round 4 AFLW action at Casey Fields from 11:35am on Saturday.