ABBIE McKay can hang her hat on another career-best showing in what has been a fiery start to the season for the emerging midfielder. 

Stepping into a more inside-orientated role this year, McKay’s contest work and tackling prowess has been first rate, producing the best four-game stretch of her career to date.

With her tackling being a key facet of her game, averaging seven a game, McKay has enjoyed how each of the midfielders can focus on their strengths to get the best out of themselves. 

“I just love playing with the team: I love playing with ‘Mim’ [Hill] and ‘Miels’ [Velardo] and ‘June’ [O’Dea],” McKay said.  

“We all bring what we’re good at and I’m loving it.” 

Gathering a career-high 29 disposals and 10 clearances, McKay played a key role getting the Blues back on track after trailing the Dockers by three goals at half time. 

Vital in getting the ball out of the middle and capitalising on the good work of Brea Moody, McKay noted that the aggression at the contest from Fremantle had Carlton on the back foot in the opening two quarters.

“Probably the first half we were a bit shocked by the physicality,” she said. 

“We knew coming in that’s what they do but when we actually experienced it, we were all a bit shocked. We just brought it back.” 

Once the Blues were able to get the ball into their forward 50, things started to click as forward pressure started to translate into shots on goal, with the Blues gaining repeat entries that resulted in three consecutive majors.

McKay - who contributed 300 metres gained and three score involvements - lauded the way her teammates stuck it out and got the team back in the game, particularly given the Blues were without Velardo (concussion) and Phoebe McWilliams (foot) for the entirety of the final term.

“We had two girls out. I think in the last quarter there were about four of us in the midfield that came off for only two minutes,” she said.  

“Everyone brought the pressure and everyone did their bit and it paid off – I'm just so proud of everyone.”

Another draw wasn’t what the Blues were hoping for when they flew to Perth, but McKay said this one prompted belief as opposed to the missed opportunity of the previous week.

“It feels a bit weird, it’s a bit different to last week, the fact that we came back from where we were, there’s a better feeling about this week,” she said. 

“We would've loved to get one extra point and get over the line but we fought back, so I was really proud.”