EXCITEMENT, shock and disbelief.

New Blue Brooke Vickers couldn’t believe it was all happening when she heard her name read out by the Carlton Football Club during Tuesday night’s 2021 NAB AFLW Draft. 

Taken with pick number 23, the versatile Vickers commanded the attention of Carlton’s selectors on the back of an incredible 12 months playing with the Oakleigh Chargers during their Premiership Season, as well as earning a call-up to Port Melbourne’s VFLW team including their Elimination Final against the Southern Saints. 

Despite her improved form over the last year, the 18 year old still couldn’t believe her fortune on Tuesday night. 

“I’m so excited to be here and just so stoked to be drafted,” Vickers said following the draft.

“I was a bit shocked, very shocked and still am.” 

‘Chook’, a nickname given to her by her mum, is looking forward to being reunited with former Oakleigh Chargers’ teammate Mimi Hill at IKON Park, who had provided the incoming Blue with some advice ahead of the draft. 

“Mim and I played together at the Chargers, so she’s a good friend,” she said

“She had a bit of a chat to me before the draft.

“She just said to put myself out there and really get to know people.” 

Vickers has another connection to the Club, having played under former Development Coach Jason Davenport during her time at the Chargers. 

Crediting Davenport with her improvement over the last year, Vickers spoke highly of his coaching style and the impact that he had on her season. 

“He’s a lovely guy. He just said good luck, you’ve done everything you can to get this far,” she said. 

“Jase is a really fun guy and he knows when it’s time to work. He’s got that fun side and then that really serious side, so you get the best of both worlds. It’s good.” 

Having played off the half-back line, Vickers is especially keen to begin working with fellow defenders Gab Pound and Mua Laloifi, eager to pick their brains and learn first hand from two of the best rebound defenders in the competition

With the nerves and excitement of draft night now settling, the new Game Changer is keen to get stuck into work with all her new teammates and make the most of the new facilities at IKON Park. 

“Their skill and composure can really help me out,” she said.

“All the facilities are really amazing here and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.

“I’m really excited to meet everyone and get to know them all.”