The Carlton Football Club is pleased to announce inaugural AFLW Blue Katie Loynes as the Club’s AFLW Recruiting Manager.

The 2018 AFLW Best and Fairest winner will continue to pull on the Navy Blue jumper in season 2020, but will have a new role off-field.

Loynes, who will be keeping a close eye on the upcoming 2019 NAB AFLW Draft in mid-October, said she’s looking forward to taking on the new challenge.

“I am really excited: the inclusion of Wayne Siekman from Collingwood just shows the direction the club is heading,” Loynes said.

“I have chatted with Wayne and I already am learning so much from him and can’t wait to work alongside him, I see him as the perfect mentor.”

Carlton heads to the 2019 NAB AFLW Draft holding picks Nos. 2, 13, 26, 36, 44, 52 and 59. 

With Loynes’ experience as one of the smartest football brains in the game, she will assist in finding the best young talent.

“We are heading into the draft in a very strong position, with our four picks inside the top 40. I am looking forward to going to the Championships in Queensland and scouting the talent there,” she said.

“I see this as a great opportunity to be involved in the direction the Club takes moving forward, after being so close last season." 

Loynes was drafted with pick No.10 in the inaugural NAB AFLW Draft, going on to win the 2018 Best and Fairest, playing in the Club’s maiden AFLW Grand Final and being named vice-captain last season.