Club/Recruited from: Western Bulldogs VFLW
Position: Ruck/Forward
Height: 180cm
DOB: 17 July 2003

THE CARLTON Football Club has welcomed Madeline Hendrie with pick No.9 in the 2023 AFLW Supplementary Draft. 

A key position tall who has featured for the Allies, the Sydney Swans Academy and most recently the Western Bulldogs’ VFLW team, the 19-year-old displays strong overhead marking ability, allowing her to shine in a number of positions.

Just as capable of pushing forward as she is providing a supporting hand in the ruck, Hendrie’s versatility is her strong suit, as is her natural athleticism: she has a background in state athletics, including high jump and cross-country running.

They’re two skills which the 180cm ruck uses to good effect, impressing for the Allies in the 2021 national carnival. She has demonstrated an ability to also play as a key defender, but her pace and leap makes her a natural understudy to All-Australian ruck, Brea Moody.

Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said Hendrie was someone who the Blues were keen on leading into the 2023 AFLW Supplementary Draft given her adaptability and work ethic both on and off the field.

“We’re really pleased to welcome Maddy: she’s someone who we think can come on in leaps and bounds in a high-performance environment,” Lloyd said. 

“She is a natural athlete who has shown that she can play in all three areas of the ground. She made the decision to relocate to Melbourne from Sydney for the betterment of her football and she’s really committed to getting the best out of herself.

“Joining the duo of Brea Moody and Jess Good, we think Maddy will have some really strong mentors to work with when pre-season begins: we’re looking forward to them gaining some synergy and giving Maddie the best possible shot to have a long career in Navy Blue.”