THREE more to welcome.
Carlton rounded out its 30-player list on Monday night, officially welcoming Poppy Scholz, Sophie McKay and Lou-Lou Field at the 2024 Telstra AFL Women's Draft.
In what was the first truly national draft in the AFLW competition, Scholz is a highly touted key back from Glenelg, McKay an exciting midfielder is absolutely no stranger to IKON Park while Field is a rebounding defender from the Western Jets.
Poppy Scholz
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan
“Super athletic and versatile player who is strong overhead with neat disposals skills. Had her season interrupted by an ankle injury which restricted her to playing just one game at the National Championships.
“A dual sport athlete who is also a talented netballer, she won All Australian honours last year when competing for South Australia as a bottom-aged player at the U18 National Championships, averaging 14 disposals at 74 percent efficiency, 3.7 marks, three tackles and six hitouts.
“A member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy, she is the sister of 2024 Telstra AFLW Rising Star and Mark of the Year winner Matilda Scholz.”
AFL.com.au AFLW expert Gemma Bastiani
”The younger sister of 2024 Telstra AFLW Rising Star Matilda, Poppy Scholz is a solid addition to Carlton's tall stocks. Known as an intercepting key defender, Scholz has also been working on her ruck craft via the national academy this year to become a more versatile option.
“She will complement the likes of Harriet Cordner and Kerryn Peterson across the back half, and is someone around whom the line can be structured for the long term.”
Carlton Head of AFLW Ash Naulty
“We regard Poppy as one of the absolute standout key position prospects in a strong draft pool, so we couldn’t be happier to officially welcome her to our football club.
“Her talent is evident for anybody who’s seen her play, and to go with her impressive character is an outstanding footy IQ. She’s played since she was 10 years old and regularly been up against more senior opposition but hasn’t let that faze her: we’re really excited to see her compete at AFLW level.
“The grit and determination she has shown in recent years is a testament to her character, and we see her being a really important contributor to our Club for a long period of time.
“The sky’s the limit for Poppy.”
Sophie McKay
AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan
“Hard-running midfielder who is both an extractor of the ball in congestion and an excellent and composed link in the handball chain to provide her team with consistent drive.
“Was a model of consistency for Victoria Metro during the National Championships, averaging 23.7 disposals (10.7 contested) and 4.3 clearances to be vital cog in their title-winning team and was rewarded with All Australian honours. Continued her impressive development with the Sandringham Dragons to finish runner up in their best and fairest award after averaging 22.5 disposals across 10 matches.
“A member of the 2024 Marsh AFL National Academy, she is the daughter of former Carlton captain Andrew McKay and sister of current AFLW star Abbie.”
AFL.com.au AFLW expert Gemma Bastiani
“Another family connection, Sophie McKay has officially joined sister Abbie in the navy blue, as both follow in their father Andrew's footsteps.
“Carlton had to match Geelong's bid on McKay to get her through the door. McKay moves well across both the midfield and forward lines, and can bring some speed through the front half of the ground – something the Blues have needed – while also knowing how to hit the scoreboard.”
Carlton Head of AFLW Ash Naulty
“The Club is thrilled to select Sophie, who has such a unique connection to both the AFL and AFLW program.
“She is an elite runner and ball user, always looking to involve teammates in the game and has shown great game awareness. If she has no one open in space she also has the skill, accuracy and composure to be able to hit the scoreboard.
“We haven't even seen the beginning of her game. Despite some setbacks this year, Sophie has navigated a frustrating end to the year with such professionalism and poise at just 18 years old, which hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“Her dad Andrew is a former captain, premiership player and Hall of Famer at our Club, while Abbie has emerged as a key leader for us and couldn’t be happier to welcome her sister for the years to come.
“It’s a really special moment to welcome Sophie to the Club, and we can't wait to see her create her own football legacy here at Carlton.”
Lou-Lou Field
AFL.com.au AFLW expert Sarah Black
“Super steady, Lou-Lou: she can also place off the forward flank if required. I like this pick for Carlton, she’ll provide a bit of stability and calmness in that backline if indeed they choose to play her down there.
“She reads the ball really well, she’s a strong kick and she’ll provide a bit of balance down there. Lou-Lou is a nice plank in that Carlton build.”
AFL.com.au AFLW expert Gemma Bastiani
“Loulou Field brings a mature head and is future captain material. She is a 167cm defender who is reasonably agile and has a neat left foot.”
Carlton Head of AFLW Ash Naulty
“We’re really happy to have Lou-Lou join Carlton: someone who has been on draft radars ever since her first Coates Talent League game three years ago.
“A prolific defender, Lou-Lou has really impressive intercept ability, but what stands out most is her football IQ and her understanding of the game. She’s played footy ever since a young age and some of the traits she has are hard to teach.
“She’s a natural leader at just 18, having captained the Jets this year. We feel like we’ve added some exciting talent to our backline and we’re really looking forward to seeing what she can achieve in Navy Blue, working under the likes of Kerryn Peterson and Mimi Hill.”
