CARLTON Football Club is pleased to announce key forward Tayla Harris and midfielder Nicola Stevens have re-signed with the Blues.
The pair will call Ikon Park home until at least the end of the 2019 season, as the AFL Women’s Trade and Sign period enters its ninth day.
Harris and Stevens arrived at Carlton last year via the inaugural trade period and made an immediate impact for the Blues.
Touted as one of the best contested marks in the competition, Harris came third in the Club’s 2018 best and fairest, received All Australian honours for the second year in a row, while also claiming the AFLW’s 2018 Mark of the Year.
Stevens, an All Australian defender-turned-midfielder, ran out in all seven games during her debut season at the Blues. In Round 3 against the Lions, the 25-year-old gathered 13 disposals, including seven marks and three tackles.
Tayla Harris and Nicola Stevens will line up for the Blues in 2019.
AFLW senior coach Daniel Harford said he was delighted both Harris and Stevens recommitted to the Club.
“We couldn’t be happier to re-sign Tay and Nic, they’re both elite players and quality people,” Harford said.
“Tay’s contested marking is exceptional and her presence up forward constantly puts pressure on the opposition. She looks dangerous around goals and her attack on the ball speaks for itself.
“Nic’s professionalism, leadership and the way she approaches her footy is outstanding. Her ability to read the ball in the air is a real strength of hers and she has the skills to match.
“With Bri and Darcy committing to the Club last week and now Tay and Nic, we’re in a really good position as we continue to build our list for next season.”
Harris and Stevens join AFLW captain Brianna Davey and forward Darcy Vescio as the Club’s latest re-signings, while earlier this week the Club received pick 40 from the Brisbane Lions in exchange for Lauren Arnell.
They've been together at Carlton since the beginning, but how well do @darcyvee and @BriannaDavey know one another?
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) May 25, 2018
Our newly re-signed stars put each other to the test.#AFLW #BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/WXYAWhP7Ux
The AFLW Trade and Sign period ends on Monday 4 June.