ANOTHER chance. 

Gen Lawson-Tavan has been given a second opportunity at an AFLW list spot, with the 26-year-old earning her chance after Maddy Guerin was placed in the inactive list for the 2023 season. 

Drafted to the inaugural Sydney side last year, Lawson-Tavan was a mainstay of the Darebin Falcons for the last decade, captaining the VFLW side as a key defender. 

Humbled and excited to have another chance to crack into an AFLW side - promptly cancelling a trip to Europe in the process - the lifelong Blues supporter is out to hit the ground running, with the season set to commence in just under a month.

“It was a big whirlwind finding out that I get another opportunity to play AFLW,” Lawson-Tavan said. 

“I’m really excited to get into pre-season – even though the games aren’t too far away. It’s going to be really good, I’m really keen and excited to be here."

Playing her first season at IKON Park in 2023 saw Lawson-Tavan finish runner-up in the team's VFLW Best and Fairest, with her consistency and effort evident throughout the season.

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"Grateful for the opportunity" Meet Gen Lawson-Tavan

New AFLW recruit Gen Lawson-Tavan speaks to Carlton Media ahead of season 8.

While the decision to make a move was a difficult one, it’s not one the former Falcon regrets: now elevated to the senior list, she's itching at the prospect of playing alongside some old - and now new again - teammates.

“It was pretty special coming into such an established club – I came from Darebin, which was a big move for me after playing there for 10 years,” she said. 

“Making the switch was a big decision, but I really settled in nicely and I think we did really well this season. I felt like I really meshed with the group and look forward to now settling into the AFLW team.

“It will be nice to play with 'Darce' [Vescio] and Jess [Dal Pos] again – Jess was my coach back in 2013, it will be nice to play together again.” 

Lawson-Tavan’s history at Carlton actually started in 1979, when her father Robert ‘Henry’ Lawson played in the under-19 squad and reserve team until 1981. 

Knowing what the Club meant to her father - and the team she barracked for as a child - it makes the situation even more special for Lawson-Tavan.

“[Dad] played back in 1979 through to 1981 for the reserves and under 18s: I think he’s pretty excited I’ll be donning the Navy Blue. I'm a long-term supporter of the Blues, too.

“Whatever comes next, as long as I give it my all, that’s my main goal. Give 100 per cent and the rest will follow.”