THE FAMILY legacy continues at Carlton, with Abbie McKay remaining in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2026.
McKay is a consistent driver of the high-performance standards that the Club promotes and is an example of how hard work truly does pay off.
After not featuring in the side throughout the 2020 season, McKay has been a mainstay of the Carlton team since and was selected in all 10 games throughout the 2023 season.
McKay's hard work was evident in her performances over the course of her career, with her disposal average increasing each year from 7.5 in 2019 to 22.3 in her most recent season, while she also averaged 5.8 tackles per game in 2023.
After a great season, McKay saved her best for last during the Blues’ Round 10 match against St Kilda. She amassed 28 disposals, laid seven tackles and had 12 clearances in a combative performance.
The runner-up in Carlton's AFLW Best and Fairest count last year, McKay has a skillset and work ethic that is extremely valuable both on and off the field.
McKay is a pivotal member of a young Carlton midfield group amongst the likes of Keeley Sherar, Keeley Skepper and Mimi Hill (all 23 and younger) that the Blues are building.
Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said McKay has truly stepped up this season.
“We have a young team and Abbie, at just 23, is included in that. She joined the leadership group for the first time this year and has taken the added responsibility of being a leader with excellence and maturity,” Naulty said.
“Abbie is a natural leader and is a great person who both the team and coaches respect. She is a player that when she takes to the field, you are confident that she will not only play her role but lift others up while doing so.
“Her game already has so many elite parts and we can't wait to unlock more of her game in the next few years.”
