IT’S BEEN a long road for Abbie McKay, who arrived at IKON Park as Carlton’s inaugural father-daughter selection in 2018.

McKay managed four games in her first season in 2019 before not getting a game in 2020, forcing her to look at her career and what she wanted to achieve.

Since then, the 23-year-old hasn’t looked back, emerging as one of Carlton’s key midfielders and not missing a single game since her return in 2021.

Set to hit her half-century as the youngest Carlton player to reach 50 games, 2024 is shaping up to be quite a year for McKay having now been appointed as co-vice captain alongside Mimi Hill.

“Even last year [in the leadership group], I feel like I could have a say and I was still very much a part of the leadership group — but it’s still very exciting to have that title,” McKay said.  

“The title doesn’t mean anything but it’s always nice to know that the teammates and the staff really have that belief in me and I’m really excited to work with (Peterson and Hill).”

Not one to toot her own horn, her fellow leaders in Kerryn Peterson and Hill were quick to sing the praises of the midfielder, citing her approachability, her individuality and her integrity as her best traits.

A workhorse on the field, Peterson said it was easy for people to look up to McKay, who leads by example whether she knows it or not.

“The thing I admire about ‘Abs’ is the growth that I’ve seen from her in the last two years,” Peterson said.

“You’re the link between the different groups within the Club and you’re so well respected because of the way you play on the ground.  When you talk, people listen, and you go about things the way you go about them –  you’re not trying to be something that you’re not.”

Hill echoed the sentiments, adding that she too looked up to McKay when she arrived at the Club herself for the 2021 season, with the two forming a dynamic duo in the midfield that is strengthening with every game played.

While the two don’t believe that they are the most composed people, they put on a good front around their teammates and know they don’t have to worry about each other.

“When I first got drafted, I didn’t have my license so ‘Abs’ would have to drive me to training. We were little 18 and 20-year-olds just trying to get a game, but it’s cute to look back on it now because we’re leading together,” Hill said.

“I like to think that other people in the midfield and all across the ground can look to us and feel calm – even though we’re a bit stressed sometimes, but hopefully we give that vibe.”

McKay added: “We’ve definitely built a connection on the field. We know where each other is, which helps with leading as well because we can deal with other people rather than worrying about one another.”

In terms of what the 23-year-old can bring to the table, she’s confident in her ability to bring calm to the high energy of Hill, balancing each other out to create a cohesive unit.

Additionally, McKay believes she’s got a unique insight to being in and out of the team due to form – something Peterson or Hill haven’t dealt with at the AFLW level.

“I think I’m one of the few leaders who hasn’t had it easy throughout their career,” she said.  

“I was in and out of the side in the first year and in my second year, I didn’t get a game. I find it really easy to relate to the girls who are struggling and aren’t getting picked – it’s really hard being in that position.

“It’s probably something for people who haven’t been in that position can’t really understand how difficult it is, so I’m quite good at relating to them and giving them a source of comfort.”