“ENJOY it as much as you can.”
For breakout Carlton midfielder Lucy McEvoy, the moment she was selected at pick No.2 in the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Draft was a moment she’ll never forget.
Touted as a top prospect, McEvoy’s nerves were quickly replaced with excitement when her name was the second to be called for the day.
“I actually can’t believe it’s been a year nearly already; it’s gone very quick,” McEvoy said.
“It was a great day; I still remember it pretty vividly. I was very lucky that I kind of knew that I didn’t have to wait.
"I remember being very, very excited, my family were very excited.”
While draft prospects across the country continue the nervous wait ahead of next week’s virtual draft, McEvoy looks back at the lead up to her selection with great fondness.
“I was very lucky that my year was quite normal compared to the girls this year, so I had school to focus on,” McEvoy said.
“I hope that it can be as normal possible for them and they can still enjoy it, they will be nervous, and I was still a little bit nervous but it’s very exciting so I can’t wait for them.”
Choose your player. ??
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) September 28, 2020
With the 2020 NAB AFL Women’s Draft a week away, take a virtual look at last year's picks. ??
First up: Lucy McEvoy! pic.twitter.com/ZOjLIM6PJg
McEvoy arrived at Ikon Park alongside six other draftees in last year’s crop, the group quickly welcomed by the existing playing group.
For the 19-year-old Blue, bonding with the group made her first year in Navy Blue an unforgettable one.
“Very quickly the group made us feel really welcome,” McEvoy said.
“I think that’s why I enjoyed my first year so much.
"There wasn’t any point in time where I didn’t feel welcome and they didn’t get around us which was really great.
“I’m thankful to them for doing that because obviously it’s kind of daunting going into a new club with older girls, so for them to be really welcoming and comforting was fantastic for a first experience.”
It was a stellar first year for Lucy McEvoy. ?
— Carlton Women's (@carltonfc_w) September 28, 2020
Take a look back at her first year in Navy Blue ahead of next week's draft.??
Now a year into her senior football journey with unfinished business heading into a second season, McEvoy’s advice for new draftees is simple.
“Just enjoy it as much as you can," McEvoy said
"Obviously it’s a different year for the girls coming into the draft but try and enjoy it as much as you can.
“You’ll absolutely love it when you get to a club, it’s a whole new experience and one that you’ll probably never forget and it’s the greatest time of your life, well it was for me.”
