IN 2018, two seasons after the AFLW competition commenced, the league saw its first-ever father-daughter selection come to fruition.
Abbie McKay - daughter of 244 gamer Andrew McKay - was drafted to the Carlton Football Club, forever etched in history as the inaugural father-daughter pick.
Although her career began like a fairytale, McKay faced challenges on the field, struggling with selection in her first season and not being selected at all in her second.
McKay - who was 20 at the time - felt she was at a crossroads where she needed to decide whether to go hard or simply go home.
Fast forward to 2024, and McKay has now played 45 games over four-and-a-half seasons with the Blues, in addition to the four from her debut season.
She’s on the verge of reaching her 50th game, a significant milestone in the AFLW.
At just 23, McKay is set to become Carlton’s youngest player to hit the 50-game mark in the competition, thriving in her Navy Blue journey.
McKay’s appointment as co-vice captain at the start of the 2024 season reflects the trust and respect she’s earned from her teammates. Known for giving her all on the field every week, the midfielder's leadership has become undeniable.
Speaking on her journey, McKay admitted she feels her varied experience gives her the best opportunity to connect and relate to her teammates.
“I think I’m one of the few leaders who hasn’t had it easy throughout their career,” McKay 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.”
Finishing second in the 2023 Best and Fairest, the midfielder was also awarded the Most Valuable Bluebagger award for her tenacity and leadership.
Known as a quiet and unassuming person, Carlton captain Kerryn Peterson said she saw leadership qualities in McKay from her first moments at the Club.
“When you first game to the Club, I don’t think you’d see yourself in this role but a lot of people did see you being able to step into that leadership role,” Peterson said to McKay after being appointed co-vice captain.
“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 but when you talk, people listen. You go about things the way you go about them, you’re not trying to be something that you’re not, you’re not trying to mould yourself into something that’s not authentic.”
Her teammates echo that sentiment: McKay’s straightforward approach to both football and life commands respect, reinforced by her consistent on-field performance.
Over the past three seasons, she’s averaged more than 20 disposals a year, showing her willingness to put her body on the line and fearlessly contest the ball.
A relentless tackler, opponents know exactly what they're in for when going head-to-head with the 23-year-old, who rarely allows her match-up any breathing room.
Fellow co-vice captain and close friend Mimi Hill lauded the deep connection they share, noting their synergy on the field reaches another level when game time arrives.
“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,” Hill said.
Starting her career under her father's history, McKay has well and truly stamped her own name at the Carlton Football Club, becoming a role model to young people everywhere.
Having signed on until the end of 2026 with Carlton, McKay's journey is just beginning.
