THE excitement is palpable in the AFLW ranks, with today marking five weeks until Carlton's season kicks off in the Apple Isle.

There's bound to be more than a few new faces for the Blues from the outset, with 11 new faces making their way to Ikon Park over the off-season. Here's a snapshot of what we can expect from them in 2019.

No.4 — Madison Prespakis

Prespakis arrived at Carlton as pick No.3 in the 2018 AFLW draft, as one of the most highly-touted youngsters in the country.

A no-nonsense, combative midfielder, Prespakis has won awards wherever she’s played — including All-Australian selection and best-and-fairest honours in a premiership year. Her work in traffic and ability to will her side on will be valuable assets in 2019 and beyond.

Recruited from: Calder Cannons
Draft history: 2018 NAB AFLW Draft 1st round selection, No.3 overall.

No.5 — Abbie McKay

McKay will go down in the history of the AFL Women’s competition, as the first-ever father-daughter recruit. The midfielder will be looking to make her own mark in the footsteps of her dad: former Carlton captain, Andrew.

Previously of the Sandringham Dragons, McKay spends a lot of her time through the midfield, although is adept at both ends of the ground. Her impending debut will be a memorable day for the McKay family and all Bluebaggers.

Recruited from: Sandringham Dragons
Draft history: 2018 NAB AFLW Draft 2nd round selection, No.16 overall.

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No.8 — Amelia Mullane

Arriving from Collingwood, Mullane (née Barden) will provide some grunt in Carlton's midfield as she renews acquaintances with senior coach Daniel Harford. After enjoying a consistent first season for the Pies, Mullane has shown she's a tough customer, leading Diamond Creek for defensive acts in the 2016 VFLW season.

Recruited from: Collingwood
Draft history: 2016 AFLW Draft, selected with pick No.59 overall.

No.13 — Kirby Bentley

Bentley was Carlton's final acqusition of the off-season, with the Blues selecting the experienced 32-year-old as a free agent. Previously at Fremantle, Bentley will provide some defensive stability and versatility at her new club, as she returns from an ACL injury sustained at the end of 2017.

Recruited from: Fremantle
Draft history: 2016 Fremantle marquee player signing.

No.14 — Brooke Walker

Having represented her country in women’s rugby sevens, Walker moved from Sydney to Melbourne in order to pursue her ambition of playing in the AFLW.

After making her VFLW debut in Round 1 against the Southern Saints in 2018, the 23-year-old played every game last season and was a solid contributor in defence. Running off the half-back line, Walker gathered 11 disposals and laid seven tackles against Casey in Round 13.

There’s no doubt she’ll be looking to mark her mark on the AFLW competition in 2019.

Recruited from: Carlton VFLW
Draft history: 2018 rookie signing

No.15 — Chloe Dalton

Dalton made an impressive start to her football career after crossing codes from women’s rugby sevens earlier this year. The Rio Olympic Gold medallist was named deputy vice-captain of Carlton’s inaugural VFLW side this season and played 11 games in her debut year.

Accepting the VFLW Blue Bloods award for her dedication to upholding the Club’s values consistently throughout the season, Dalton was signed as an AFLW rookie in August.

Recruited from: Carlton VFLW
Draft history: 2018 rookie signing

No.20 — Charlotte Wilson

Possessing leadership qualities despite her young age, Wilson is a player for the future in the navy blue. Previously of the Eastern Ranges, the youngster spent time in her underage year playing VFLW football, impressing in five games for the Southern Saints. A co-captain of the Ranges and with a basketball background, Wilson will leave no stone unturned in the AFLW competition.

Recruited from: Eastern Ranges/Southern Saints VFLW
Draft history: 2018 NAB AFLW Draft 3rd round selection, No. 27 overall. 

No.22 — Rhiannon Watt

A former professional volleyballer who represented her country, Watt took to her new surrounds quickly to enjoy a breakout year in 2018. Fronting up for the Southern Saints, Watt’s work in the ruck saw her named in the VFLW Team of the Year and take home a best and fairest award. With the ability to play in a key attacking or defensive post, she’ll form part of a formidable ruck contingent alongside Breann Moody and Alison Downie.

Recruited from: Southern Saints VFLW
Draft history: 2018 NAB AFLW Draft 4th round selection, No.40 overall. 

No.25 — Jess Edwards

Hailing from South Australia via London and Collingwood, Edwards’ trek to the AFLW has been a road well-travelled.

At 29 years of age heading into AFLW 3.0, Edwards will provide valuable leadership for the Blues, having captained North Adelaide (2017, SANFL) and Collingwood (2018, VFLW). She’s an attacking half-back who can also make an impact in the middle of the ground.

Recruited from: Collingwood VFLW
Draft history: 2018 NAB AFLW Draft 4th round selection, No.42 overall. 

No.27 — Emerson Woods

Living the dream. When childhood Bluebagger Emerson Woods was taken with pick No.38 in last year’s AFLW draft, it all became a reality.

A VFLW premiership winner with Hawthorn at the age of 18, Woods will provide the Blues with elite speed. Often found on the wing, she will give Carlton a new dimension in the middle of the ground and thrives with ball in hand.

Recruited from: Eastern Ranges/Hawthorn VFLW
Draft history: 2018 NAB AFLW Draft 4th round selection, No.38 overall.

No.36 — Jayde Van Dyk

A VFLW premiership star and club best and fairest winner in 2018, Van Dyk will swap the brown and gold of Hawthorn for the navy blue of Carlton.

The defender - taken with pick No.21 in the draft - earned her call-up to the AFLW competition with an award-ladened campaign. Her performances in the back pocket for the Hawks also saw her feature in the VFLW Team of the Year and named the competition’s rising star.

Recruited from: Hawthorn VFLW
Draft history: 2018 NAB AFLW Draft 2nd round selection, No.21 overall.