THE CARLTON Football Club is excited to confirm the AFLW leadership group for the 2024 season.
Kerryn Peterson will remain as captain for the 2024 season, joined by co-vice captains Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay.
Peterson, a three-time All-Australian, will remain as Carlton’s longest-serving AFLW captain, entering her sixth season after co-captaining the Blues for two seasons, before becoming the sole captain in 2022.
“To lead this group for a sixth season is a true privilege,” Peterson said.
“I come into this season with a range experience which I want to use to empower Mimi and Abbie to be the best leaders they can be, and to give them the confidence to grow and develop within their own leadership journey.”
After an interrupted 2023 season, playing just four games last year, the star defender has left no stone unturned in getting back to her consistent best as well as ushering in a new era at IKON Park.
After an outstanding season, finishing second in Carlton’s best and fairest, McKay was promoted to co-vice captain in 2024 after featuring in the leadership group in 2023.
With six years and seven seasons at the Club, McKay brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Blue's young side.
“Last year I was a part of the leadership group, but to be elevated to co-vice captain is really exciting and I can’t wait to lead alongside Kerryn and Mimi,” McKay said.
“It is nice to know your teammates and the coaching staff really have belief in you.
“I believe I am an empathetic and relatable leader. I understand what it takes to earn a spot on the team and know the professional standards and work ethic needed to be a professional athlete in the AFLW.”
Hill will continue her co-vice captain role after she featured as the stand-in captain in Round 9 and 10 in the back end of last season.
“It was a real honour to step in as sole captain for a few rounds last year: I remember walking onto the ground to do the toss, looking out and thinking ‘wow, my younger self would be so proud’,” Hill said.
“I am so grateful to be continuing as co-vice captain alongside Abbie and Kerryn. We each bring our own unique qualities that complement one another.”
The 21-year-old had another dominant season in 2023, featuring in all 10 games, earning her a third-place position in the Club’s Best and Fairest award.
After co-vice captaining the side in 2023, Jess Dal Pos has been appointed as a playing-development coach for this season.
Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said they are all natural leaders and great people, respected by players and staff.
“Each leader has been a big part of the change we have seen at Carlton and have demonstrated their dedication to driving the high-performance standards we have here at the Blues,” Naulty said.
“They each bring a unique skill set and elite football IQ that is extremely valuable to the side both on and off the field and will help to guide and lead the program.
“Whilst they are each individually very competitive, they are incredibly supportive to those around them and are invested in seeing the players grow in themselves and their skills, further creating a positive culture within the team.
“It is important for the depth of the program to continue to build up our young leaders. For Mimi and Abbie to step up and be backed by their peers is a great step forward. To have Abbie elevated to co-vice captain for the first time is recognition for her hard work on and off the field.
“We are very honoured to have Belinda Clark, former captain of the Australian cricket team, continue to mentor and guide the leadership group and support their development throughout the season.”
Carlton 2024 AFLW Leadership Group
Kerryn Peterson – Captain
Abbie McKay – Co-vice captain
Mimi Hill – Co-vice captain
