THE CARLTON Football Club have signed Blues VFLW captain Eliza Wood to its AFLW squad ahead of the 2025 season.

Wood has filled Carlton’s list spot that was made vacant after captain Kerryn Peterson announced her pregnancy earlier this year.  
 
It is a fitting reward for Wood, who - having claimed the 2024 VFLW Best and Fairest and was also named Best Club Person - has been a standout across her five seasons with Carlton's VFLW program.  
  
A natural leader, Wood has been valuable for a developing VFLW side, helping to guide younger players and set high standards within the group.   
 
Playing as a midfielder-forward, Wood is impressive in the contest with the skills to apply pressure and efficiently move the ball forward to create scoring opportunities for her side. 
 
In 2024, Wood impressed against AFLW-listed talent in Rounds 12 and 13, demonstrating her readiness to make an impact at the highest level.   

Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said the work ethic and professionalism consistently shown by Wood earned her the opportunity at AFLW level. 
 
“The persistence Eliza has shown across her five seasons in our VFLW program has been second to none, she has truly earned this opportunity to play at the highest level,” Naulty said. 
 
“Eliza’s dedication and leadership have been really impressive, she’s the kind of player who lifts those around her, both on and off the field.  
 
“Her composure in crucial moments and ability to attack the ball both in the air and at ground level is what makes her such an exciting addition to our AFLW list.  

“We are proud of our talent development within our VFLW program and Eliza joining our AFLW team is another great outcome for both programs.
 
“We have no doubt she will make a seamless transition to the AFLW environment.”