THE Carlton Football Club has today proudly drafted seven new players at the 2019 NAB AFLW Draft.

The Blues headed to the Melbourne Showgrounds for the fourth NAB AFLW Draft in a strong position, holding seven picks inside the top 30 of the Victorian Metro player pool. 

Last season’s Grand Finalists wasted no time snapping up highly touted midfielder Lucy McEvoy from the Geelong Falcons with pick No.2. 

The bullocking midfielder arrives at Ikon Park after a dominant 2019 season, where she averaged 21 disposals on her way to being named Vic Country’s Most Valuable Player at the National Championships. 

 
 
 
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McEvoy is described as a pure footballer who can find the ball anywhere on the ground, with the 19-year-old earning selection in the All-Australian team over the past three seasons in three different positions: the back pocket (2017), full forward (2018) and in the centre (2019).

Carlton secured inside midfielder Grace Egan from Richmond’s VFLW side with pick No.13 prior to the draft as part of the AFLW Academy bidding process, which was announced in September. 

The Blues bolstered its defensive stocks with the acquisition of Brooke Vernon with pick No.26: renowned for her elite use of the ball, the 18-year-old will provide plenty of drive out of defence.

Sharnie Whiting joined the Club via pick No.36, after the key forward had a standout year with Williamstown in the VFLW. Possessing great strength and power mixed in with her ability to read the game, Whiting’s attributes make her an exciting addition to the Blues’ forward line.

Pick 44 saw Carlton snap up exciting young Eastern Ranges tall Serena Gibbs, whose aerial prowess is the main feature of her play up forward. She is also capable of supporting Alison Downie and Breann Moody in the ruck.

The Blues then turned to the x-factor of Vaomua Laloifi with pick No.52: a defender with serious potential. A pillar of the Western Bulldogs’ VFLW defence which surged into a Grand Final, Laloifi is strong in the one-on-one contest and can turn defence into attack.

 

The class of Courtney Jones was a welcome addition with Carlton’s final pick of the draft at No.59. Renowned for her pace and skill, Jones’ selection was just reward for a promising season on the wing for the Southern Saints.

Carlton General Manager of Women’s Football Ash Brown said the Club was thrilled to bring seven quality players to Ikon Park.

“We’re obviously delighted to bring some quality talent into the football club, but we also think we’ve found some quality people who fit within our current list needs,” Brown said.

“We believe we’ve secured two quality midfielders in Lucy and Grace at the top end of the draft, added to our defensive stocks with Brooke and ‘Mua’ [Laloifi], while also adding to list needs by drafting Sharnie, Serena and Courtney.

“All players have either been stars at underage level or have strongly impacted at VFLW level, so we expect our current group of draftees to have a big impact on the field for us in 2020 and beyond.  

“We’re looking forward to seeing what they’re capable of first-hand when they arrive for pre-season and meet their new teammates.”

Carlton’s 2019 AFLW Draft Class

No.2 – Lucy McEvoy (Geelong Falcons)
No.13 – Grace Egan (Richmond VFLW)
No. 26 – Brooke Vernon (Dandenong Stingrays)
No. 36 – Sharnie Whiting (Williamstown VFLW)
No. 44 – Serena Gibbs (Eastern Ranges)
No.52 – Vaomua Laloifi (Western Bulldogs VFLW)
No.59 – Courtney Jones (Southern Saints VFLW)