“I WOULDN'T have wanted to be another team this year because we’re looking pretty good.”

Tayla Harris and Daniel Harford have spoken about their aspirations for the 2021 season while welcome new Co-Major Partner wheezo onboard at Ikon Park. 

With such a tumultuous year coming to a close, Harford was glad that things were starting to settle down and show some semblance of normal life again.

“It’s ideal to have the girls back together, we haven’t spent a lot of time together for the last six months so just to have the group together [has been great],” Harford said.

“They came back really energetic, fresh and ready to go once we hit the track, which has been two or three weeks now and it’s been fascinating.”

When asked about keeping her fitness in the off-season, Harris noted that the strength and conditioning team were working overtime to keep her and her teammates fit and fighting in lockdown.

“I felt like we had whatever we needed, as much as it was difficult and unheard of times, they just made it work,” Harris said.

“We’re pretty lucky to have such dedicated and really personable fitness staff and strength and conditioning staff.”

Harris also mentioned the addition of Elise O'Dea, an old friend of Harris, who joined the Blues during the trade period this year.

“‘Junior’ [O’Dea] slotted in seamlessly, you wouldn’t know that she hadn’t been her for years. She’s been embraced by everyone, everyone loves her, she’s so enthusiastic and such a fun person to be around,” she said.

“I think we’re going to be so well represented in leadership and experience and enthusiasm and even just fun on the field.”

Another welcome addition to the Carlton group is Kade Simpson, who joins as an assistant coach in 2021.

Harford was over the moon with the appointment, noting that Simpson’s experience is something unlike no other.

“We are rapt, 350 games of experience at AFL level: he has so much value in his knowledge of the game let alone his delivery and his demeanour,” Harford said.

“There’s no doubt the girls will get a hell of a lot of benefit from working with a guy like 'Simmo' who’s seen it all in footy: the good, the bad and the indifferent.”