CARLTON embarrassed critics in 2019, appearing in its first AFLW Grand Final in an extraordinary 12-month turnaround.

The Blues improved week on week to give themselves an opportunity at the ultimate success but fell just short.

With the season now behind us, we take a look each player’s individual performance.

1. Brianna Davey

2019 marked a welcome return for Carlton’s captain, who seamlessly came back to AFLW action to enjoy another exemplary season.

Playing all nine games, Davey improved by the week and was a key pillar in the Blues’ late-season resurgence on the way to a Grand Final berth.

The Blues’ best on the biggest stage, Davey’s courage and leadership was crucial — she was ultimately awarded Best Captain in the competition by her peers.

With an average of 16 disposals, four tackles and 3.5 clearances, her outstanding year saw her desperately unlucky to miss out on All Australian selection.

Her best performance arguably came in the Grand Final, despite the big defeat. With 22 disposals, six tackles and a goal, the captain did everything she could to will her side back into the contest.

Two of our superstars take home AFLPA awards.



Find out how the girls polled. #BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 1, 2019

2. Katie Loynes

Joint 2018 best-and-fairest winner Katie Loynes remained a reliable target through the midfield after another consistent season with the Blues.

Loynes was a permanent fixture in midfield, playing all nine games and maintaining her pressure throughout the season.

Appointed vice captain in 2019, she was a steady head in the centre and led the way for the crop of new youngsters.

A dependable performer throughout the season, Loynes averaged 8.8 disposals, 3.7 tackles and 2.4 inside 50s per game.

Her best performance came in the Blues’ Round 5 clash with Brisbane: her pressure was undeniable with a team-high eight tackles.

3. Darcy Vescio

The Blues leading goal-kicker for the first two AFLW seasons, Darcy Vescio was once again a reliable avenue to goal in 2019.

Tayla Harris overtook her in the goal-kicking stakes in 2019, with the forward-line chemistry continuing to build throughout the season.

Vescio was more mobile under the guidance of coach Daniel Harford, elevating her game from a stay-at-home forward role.

Finishing the season with an average of nine disposals, two marks and six contested possessions, she was a solid contributor to Carlton’s finals campaign.

One of the many Blues at their best, Vescio recorded a season-high of 13 disposals and a goal in the Blues 16-point victory over Brisbane in Round 6.

But it was her late snap against Collingwood in Round 5 to put the Blues in front with just minutes to go that will go down as her season highlight.

We take you behind the scenes for a closer look at a historic day for the Club. #BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 3, 2019

4. Madison Prespakis:

Madison Prespakis arrived at Carlton a ready-made AFLW star, quickly forging her way into the Blues best.

The young midfielder burst onto the scene after being taken at pick No.3 in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft.

It’s hardly a surprise she was so influential for the Blues having already earned All-Australian selection and multiple best-and-fairest honours in her under-18s career.

The 18-year-old led the Blues across key stats, averaging 19 disposals, 11 contested possessions and five clearances per game.

The young gun was clinical against the Lions in Round 6, racking up a game-high 27 disposals to post her best performance of 2019.

Prespakis was awarded both the AFLPA 2019 AFLW Best First Year Player and the 2019 NAB AFLW Rising Star award for her breakout season, as well as being named All Australian.

5. Abbie McKay

Abbie McKay arrived at Carlton as the first father-daughter recruit in AFLW history after being selected at pick No.16 in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft.

The young midfielder honoured the McKay name when she first pulled on the No.5 in Round 4 against Geelong: in a composed first hit-out, McKay notched up six disposals and two tackles against the Cats.

Averaging 7.5 disposals and 1.5 tackles in her four games, McKay made a solid start to her AFLW career.

Although she missed out on selection during the Blues’ finals campaign, the youngster has shown herself to be a player for the future.

6. Gabriella Pound:

Gabriella Pound elevated her game to new heights in 2019 as a key pillar of Carlton’s defence.

The 24-year-old played every game this season and is still yet to miss a match in the three years since she was drafted as one of the foundation Game Changers.

Pound worked closely with Nicola Stevens and Kerryn Harrington to form a backline unit that stifled some of the competition’s best forwards.

The young defender was impermeable against Collingwood in Round 6, taking eight marks and laying three tackles to suppress the Pies attack.

A consistent performer for the Blues, Pound averaged 3.2 marks and two tackles per game for her defensive efforts.

For her performance in AFLW 3.0, Pound was named in the 2019 Virgin Australia All-Australian team.

Harrington. Prespakis. Pound.



Three All-Australians and we couldn't be prouder. #BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 2, 2019

7. Tayla Harris:

Key forward Tayla Harris was consistent in her second year at Carlton as an imposing target in attack.

Missing only one game in 2019, Harris kicked an impressive eight goals for her side in the Blues’ 2019 campaign.

Third in the competition for marks inside 50 and fourth for contested marks, it’s no surprise Harris took home the JLT Mark of the Year for the second consecutive season.

She formed a dangerous forward line with Darcy Vescio, with the duo working well in tandem while finding more avenues to goal through the midfield stylings of Madison Prespakis.

Her best coincided with the Blues’ first win of the season in Round 3, kicking three goals to bury the Giants, while she hit form late in the year as the Blues made their finals charge.