DANIEL Harford has helmed a large period of change at the Blues, with the inclusion of the Club’s first VFLW team, a new AFLW coaching panel and 11 list changes. On Sunday afternoon it will all come to a climax, as a new-look Carlton run out to face newcomers North Melbourne in Round 1. The former Blue said he can’t wait.   

“I’m pretty excited. It’s been great. The last four months have been huge. The girls have been great. I’ve loved being a part of the build-up for what’s been happening for season 3. Hopefully, we get the right result,” Harford said.

“I’m pretty bullish about what our girls can do on the weekend against the Kangaroos. The game against Geelong was really good sighter for all of the players. 

Six will make their debut in the Blue on Sunday, including three 2019 draftees, Madison Prespakis, Jayde Van Dyk, and rookie pick Chloe Dalton. Harford said each would bring different areas of expertise and skill into Sunday’s clash.

“It’s such a new group, with such a new, dynamic way we want to play,” he said.

“Maddie Prespakis is a real class act. She’s had a terrific summer. I must admit I was a bit surprised with what she was capable of physically. I knew she could play the game but her physical attributes are quite remarkable as well. Her performance against Geelong did say to us that she was ready to play so we had no hesitation in putting her in and I think we will have a big impact with us.

“Jayde Van Dyk spent a year at Hawthorn. She was their best and fairest, premiership player and a rising star for them. She’ll play down back for us. She is remarkable, Jayde, with what she is able to do down back. She has eaten the program up from day one. She hasn’t missed a session. She’s done everything possible and given herself the best chance to be a really good player for us. She’s an intercept defender, a good one-on-one down back and drives the ball forward for us and attacks when she gets the ball as well, so she’ll be really good for us.

 Maddie Prespakis is one of the players to watch according to Coach Daniel Harford. 

“Chloe Dalton comes to us from Rugby Sevens, from an Olympic Campaign a couple of years ago. She played in our VFLW season in 2018 which is a really good thing for her. Her blistering pace and her ability to take the game on will be something that our fans will no doubt will love to see Chloe doing,” he said of the three draft picks. 

Harford also gave his thoughts on the trade acquisitions who will pull on the Blue on Sunday. 

“Millie Mullane comes across from Collingwood where I was last season. She’s your tractor with your ball in the middle of the ground and she’ll be a terrific contested ball player for us which is something we lacked last season.

“Jess Edwards was captain of the Collingwood VFLW team. She had an enormous summer. She has really set the standard all summer long with the way she has gone about her preparation. She is as hungry as I’ve ever seen anybody in a game of footy. She’ll do a great job for us.

“Kirby Bentley is well known to AFLW fans after her first year at Fremantle. She was a marquee signing for them. She brings great experience and poise in the back half of the ground. She distributes the ball magnificently as well, so she’ll be able to defend and also attack which is what we want all our players to across the ground.”

Carlton will meet North Melbourne on Sunday from 1.05pm EDT at North Hobart Oval.

Watch the game live on Fox Footy (channel 504 from 1pm).