2024 HELD a lot of firsts for Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay.

It was the first year that Hill fully trained with the backline while it was McKay’s maiden campaign as co-vice captain.

The duo have spent a lot of time together - having been crucial to the Blues’ midfield group since 2020 - but this time around, they plied their trade as leaders together under skipper Kerryn Peterson.

For McKay, it was a special moment when she got to run out with Hill as co-captains in the absence of Peterson, noting their special connection on the field held them in good stead while also giving the 24-year-old opportunities to grow.

“There were a few times where Kerryn didn’t get to play so ‘Mim’ and I got to run out there as captains, so that was pushing me out of my comfort zone again,” McKay said.

“I think it was unusual at times and pushed me to be a better person.”

As for the backline, it was a different vibe for Hill, who admitted the times can get tough when opposition teams start damaging the scoreboard.

It was a learning experience for the 22-year-old, who had the opportunity to hone her leadership skills while also being under the tutelage of Peterson.

“You have to back each other in because it can get pretty bleak sometimes if they’ve scored a few goals on you,” Hill admitted.

“I loved the energy from the backs – I’m so used to being comfortable in the midfield, so it was nice to be out of my comfort zone and work with different coaches and different players.

“It was really nice when ‘Kez’ was playing because it made me feel a bit more comfortable down there having that leadership.”

Keeping the energy high fell to Hill throughout the year, while McKay focused on driving professional standards and being honest with her teammates.

The pair’s contrasting leadership styles complemented each other perfectly, giving their teammates plenty of opportunities to learn and ask for guidance.

“We know eyes are on us and the group is waiting for us to make the next move. We lean on each other a bit, regroup and go again and try and bring the energy and intensity, we got a lot better at that,” Hill said.

“People are looking to us to see what to do next so as long as we stay connected and the coaching staff as a whole club, we can do anything from there,” McKay said.

With a young group still developing into a new system implemented by AFLW Senior Coach Mathew Buck, there is plenty of potential wearing the Navy Blue guernsey.

With Keeley Sherar having another career-best season plus some impressive outings from draftees, McKay and Hill agreed that there is plenty to look forward to from their side in 2025 and beyond.

“I think the most obvious one is Keeley Sherar, she’s an awesome player, she can run for days, she’s quick, powerful, and she’s really jumped to a whole other level,” McKay said.  

“One that goes unnoticed is Lily Goss – I think she’s an absolute workhorse and the work she does makes ‘Keels’ and I look good.”

“I’m really liking the work of Ciara Fitzgerald – she’s improved so much over the season, she’s been thrown around a bit wing and back, but I find when she’s back, she’s so solid,” Hill said.

“Seeing Meg [Robertson] play a few games in the backline as well, she’s going to be a great player for Carlton for hopefully many years.”