LEADING the charge.
As a new-look Carlton AFLW side looks to impact the competition in 2023, Captain Kerryn Peterson is more determined and motivated to lead her team to success.
Holding the reigns for her fifth season, Peterson has learnt a lot about herself, the team and football in her journey, now feeling as though she has a strong base to leap from into 2023.
“From an individual perspective, I’m more settled with the role and know what's expected of me,” Peterson said.
“As I’ve gotten older and longer into the captaincy, very rarely do I think about my own performance and more about the performance of my teammates and of the team overall and how I can help improve and get those guys up and running.”
With a young list following the way, it’s been a balancing act to get the side up and running under a brand-new coaching panel, but Peterson says the group has been up for the challenge.
With some emerging leaders coming through the group, there is plenty of opportunity for players to have their say, impact the team and give feedback to their teammates.
One person in particular who has stood out to the captain over the pre-season has been Abbie McKay, who has been elevated to the leadership group for the first time in her career.
“Abbie McKay has come and joined the leadership group this year and she’s been absolutely fantastic and really deserving of her spot,” she said.
“I expected her to come in and be quiet and learn the ropes but she totally surprised me and I was so proud of the way she came in and grabbed the role and has provided such an impact on our group already – she’s definitely one in the future who should have leadership aspirations.”
One aspect of leadership and team-building Peterson particularly enjoys is getting away with the team – whether for interstate trips or pre-season camp.
Using the opportunity to build relationships with her teammates away from the footy field, the 31 year old admits it’s a simple way to get everyone on the same page whilst in a relaxed environment.
“It’s a really easy way to build connection, because all of a sudden, you’re spending 24 hours a day close to each other and you get to see the real team when you’re on the road,” she said.
“You get different challenges and as a group, you get to spend a lot of time together and work out if those situations arise, how would you handle them.
“I love getting away with the team, getting out of the uniform and hanging out in different environments and going out for dinner, it really galvanises the group.”
With Round 1 of the 2023 AFLW season just a week away, there is a renewed energy for the AFLW Club to head into the season firing.
Peterson acknowledged the success of the men's program as a driver for the group, as well as seeing the impact the Matildas had on Australian women’s sport in recent months.
Looking back to the days of a packed-out IKON Park, the tough defender urged Carlton fans to turn up in droves to support the program and bring the noise and hype that buoys the team.
“I can’t wait for Round 1 against the Gold Coast,” she said.
“If we can get a big crowd there, what that would do for our team to really lift us into the year on the back of the momentum – not only the boys have created but what the Matildas have too.”
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