CARLTON proudly selected Abbie McKay in the 2018 NAB AFL Women’s Draft, making her the first father-daughter recruit in the competition’s history.

Taken with pick No.16, Abbie is the daughter of 1995 premiership player Andrew McKay, who recorded 244 games for Carlton between 1993 and 2003.

The 17-year-old midfielder was one of seven new recruits to be drafted by the Blues on Tuesday afternoon, as the league held its third AFLW draft at Marvel Stadium.


Andrew and Abbie McKay at the 2018 NAB AFL Women's Draft. (Photo: AFL Media)

Touted as the best player in this year’s talent pool, Carlton selected Melbourne Uni’s Madison Prespakis with its No.3 pick. With a long list of achievements already to her name, the bullocking midfielder has enjoyed premiership success at the Calder Cannons, received All-Australian selection as well as multiple best-and-fairest honours.

The Blues secured defender Jayde Van Dyk with pick No.21, after having a standout season for the Hawks’ VFLW side. Averaging 15 disposals per game playing as a back pocket, Van Dyk was also awarded the Debbie Lee Medal as the VFLW’s Rising Star and was named in the league’s VFLW Team of the Year.

The Blues’ fourth draftee will also strengthen Carlton’s backline, recruiting Charlotte Wilson with pick No.27. The Eastern Ranges product represented Vic Metro in the under-18 national championships and possesses strong leadership qualities.

Childhood Bluebagger Emerson Woods had a tear in her eye when Carlton called her name with its No.38 pick. Breaking the record for the fastest time for the 20-metre sprint at the AFLW combine, the pacey winger will add speed to the Blues’ midfield.

Recruited from the Southern Saints VFLW side, Rhiannon Watt arrives at Ikon Park via pick No.40. Standing at 186cm, the former volleyballer played in the ruck and was instrumental in launching the Saints’ attacks from the centre square.

Originally hailing from Adelaide, Jess Edwards rounded out Carlton’s new draftees, taken with pick No.42. Named captain of North Adelaide’s inaugural SANFL side in 2017, Edwards was also handed skipper duties of Collingwood’s VFLW team this season.

Working closely alongside the Club’s Head of Women’s Football Nicole Graves, senior coach Daniel Harford said he was rapt with how the afternoon panned out.

“We had a few things locked in with Maddy and Abbie, however after that it was a bit up in the air. We couldn’t believe the access we got to the players we wanted early on, so we’re rapt – really pleased with how it all worked out,” Harford said.

“The key areas we needed to cover were midfield depth, both inside and outside, as well as some defensive power. We believe the players we selected will help us in those areas.”

One of those players is Prespakis.

“Maddie is a lock-and-load kind of player, I’ve heard her described as a footballer’s footballer. She reads the play, is calm, composed and mature and I hope she’ll have an impact in her debut season.

“Abbie McKay is a ripping player and we shouldn’t forget about that. There’s clearly romance to the story as the first father-daughter selection, but we rate her really highly, otherwise we wouldn’t have chosen her with our second pick.

“Jayde, Charlotte and Jess and are all terrific athletes and quality people who will also bring wonderful leadership skills, while Rhiannon and Emerson will provide versatility to the team.”

Having drafted a mix of youth and experience, Harford said this would hold the team in good stead for both the short and long term.

“You’ve got to live for the now with the way the AFLW is set up, but still keep one eye on the future,” Harford said.

“Once we got the younger players in with our early picks, we were able to look at the more experienced players in the draft and get values and attributes we need off and on the field, and the players we got in certainly bring that.”

With the start of the pre-season scheduled for November 14, Harford said he can’t wait to hit the track with the team.

“There’s a bit of an induction period with the players and then we’re full steam until Christmas. It will be five weeks of pain, torture and agony so to speak,” Harford laughed.

CARLTON'S 2018 AFLW DRAFT

No.3 – Madison Prespakis (Calder Cannons)

No.16 – Abbie McKay (Sandringham Dragons/Father-daughter selection)

No. 21 – Jayde Van Dyk (Hawthorn VFLW)

No. 27 – Charlotte Wilson (Southern Saints VFLW)

No.38 – Emerson Woods (Eastern Ranges)

No.40 – Rhiannon Watt (Southern Saints VFLW)

No.42 – Jess Edwards (Collingwood VFLW)

No.49 – Passed