Carlton AFLW 2021 Season Review
Writtebn by Helena Petrou
Season Summary:
The Blues approached the 2021 season with a fire in their bellies, determined not let the hurdle of the cancelled 2020 season prevent them from reaching the ultimate goal. The Baggers were tipped as the Premiership favourites for 2021 by many experts including Sarah Black and were seen as the team to beat heading into the season. An unexpected slow and shaky start to the year accompanied with some close and disappointing losses ultimately left the Blues sitting outside the top 6 at the conclusion of the home and away season. The Blues ended the season 5-4, with one more win likely to have given them a spot in the finals. Although the result of the season left much to be desired of this more than capable Carlton outfit, it certainly had its highlights. The development shown by youngsters Abbie McKay and Grace Egan provide comfort for Carlton’s future, as well as the recruitment of impressive players such as Mimi Hill, Maddy Guerin and Elise O’Dea.
What went well:
The 2021 season not only showcased improvements in player development across the board, but also Carlton’s ability to play well and win as a team. From the strongest key defenders in the backline to the niftiest smalls in the forward line, the Bagger’s had consistent contributors across the ground. Unfailing performances from Carlton’s ‘role players’ such as Breann Moody, Jess Hosking, Mua Laloifi and Nicola Stevens allowed their teammates the opportunities to play at their best. Spectacular individual seasons from Darcy Vescio, Maddy Prespakis and Kerryn Harrington heavily influenced their team, complementing the ability of their gritty teammates. Carlton’s ability to play a united style of football came from not having to rely on their superstars, but rather having each player on the field fulfill their role. An example of this can be taken from round 5, where the Bagger’s were playing the Kangaroos away in Tasmania, although Maddy Prespakis would not join them on the trip down south due to a one game suspension she was handed in the previous round. Up against one of the strongest midfields in the competition without their superstar on baller, the Blues’ Jess Hosking and Georgia Gee were able to rise to the occasion and produce some of their best personal performances of the season to combat the hole in Carlton’s midfield.
What needs improving in 2022:
In a season where 5 of Carlton’s games were decided by a goal or less, efficiency inside 50 is a critical component to winning games. In 2022 Carlton will look to increase their efficiency inside 50, after converting only 43% of inside 50’s into shots on goal for the year. The Bagger’s were often victim to scoreless slow starts, leaving them playing catch up for the remainder of the game. Although Carlton finished the season as the third highest goal kicking side in the league, the Blues went 10 quarters without scoring a goal this home and away season ultimately costing them a spot in finals. Overall pressure around the ground can look to be improved, with Carlton finishing 4th last in the league for average tackles per game. It can also be noted that Carlton’s average tackles inside the forward 50 in the first half of the season sat at 10.7, while dropping to 8 in the second half of the season where Carlton played in much closer games. Key forward Tayla Harris will look to return to being a focal point up forward in 2022 after kicking only 4 goals for the season, Harris was also down on score involvements compared to her 2020 season.
MVP:
Carlton’s MVP has been harder to select this season due to many individuals having standout seasons, a sign of growth throughout the team. My MVP for the 2021 season after lots of thought is awarded to Darcy Vescio.
Darcy Vescio has produced her career best season in 2021, kicking 16 goals to her 4 behinds. Vescio hit her straps towards the middle of the season and is often referred to as Carlton’s ‘barometer’. She was regularly the first to hit the scoreboard for the Blues, kickstarting their attack and setting the tone for the rest of the team. While Vescio will be recognised for her ability to hit the scoreboard, Darcy also had the most score involvements out of any Carlton player this year, averaging 4.4 per game (4th highest average in the league). In 2021 Vescio solidified herself as one of Carlton’s (and the competition’s) most selfless and team centred players. Although on the stat sheet it can be argued that players such as Maddy Prespakis or Brea Moody are more deserving of the MVP, it’s Vescio’s ability to impact games with the amount of the ball she is getting that separates her from her teammates. Although averaging only 9 disposals, she is one of Carlton’s most efficient players with an average of 72%. Vescio’s best game of the season came in round 8 against the Gold Coast Suns where she had 15 touches and kicked 5 goals. Her great efforts up forward has seen her be named as the competition’s outright leading goal scorer for 2021, the first ever AFLW player to kick 16 goals in a season and the fastest AFLW player to reach 40 career goals.
Most Improved Player:
After not having made a senior appearance since her debut year of 2019, Abbie McKay’s impactful return to senior football in 2021 has seen her solidify a spot in Carlton’s midfield. McKay averaged 4 tackles and 12 disposals (7 of them contested), at 75% efficiency in 2021. McKay’s versatility saw her play on some of the competition’s biggest names, as well as on the ball and even in defence at times. Abbie finished 3rd highest for clearances and contested possessions for Carlton behind fellow midfielders Grace Egan and Maddy Prespakis. McKay earned a Rising Star nomination for her round 3 performance in Carlton’s loss against the Western Bulldogs, where she collected 16 disposals and laid 6 tackles. She also featured in coaches votes throughout the season and has been named in the 22 under 22 squad. With no limit on her potential, the first ever father-daughter pick is one to watch out for heading into season 2022 and beyond.
Best Win:
Round 8 V Gold Coast Suns
It was a record-breaking affair when Carlton took on the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon stadium in round 8, bringing home the 4 points with a 27-87 victory. Carlton were able to keep the Suns goalless for 3 quarters of the game while kicking a mighty score of their own. Carlton kicked the highest score in AFLW history and Darcy Vescio became the first ever player to reach 40 career goals thanks to her 5 majors kicked on the day. A dominant performance for the vast majority of the game showcased just how good Carlton can be at their best.
Worst Loss:
Although Carton suffered larger losses on the scoreboard in 2021, the 6-point loss to Collingwood in the season opener will always hurt to look back on. After a long pre-season where the excitement around Carlton had been growing, a scoreless first half against the Pies on our home deck was definitely not the start to the season that Blues fans were hoping to see. Despite the defensive lift from Carlton in the second half which saw them concede only a singular point, the damage had already been done in the second quarter where the Pies kicked 4.1 to Carlton’s 0.0. It was a disappointing game for Carlton fans, with the Blue’s inability to break the game open and make the most of their opportunities early ultimately costing them the 4 points at the final siren.
All Australians:
Four of Carlton’s most influential players have been recognised for their elite 2021 campaigns by being named in the 40-person AFLW All-Australian team for 2021, with the final squad of 21 to be named on the 20/4.
Kerryn Harrington: Co-captain and anchor in defence, Harrington continued to lead from the front in 2021. She led Carlton for intercepts, rebounds and spoils in the defensive half. ‘Kez’ finished 4th in the competition for rebound 50’s as well as average intercept possessions per game. Harrington also had the best disposal efficiency of anyone in the league with over 100 touches at 77.3%. Harrington continues to take her game to the next level with every season, and if named in the final AA squad it will be her third consecutive season where she has received AA honours.
Maddy Prespakis: Carlton’s young jet continued to impress in 2021, again raising the bar for the young midfielders of the competition. Prespakis averaged 21 touches and 4 tackles in 2021, while also coming 1st at Carlton for contested possessions, disposals and clearances. Although having missed a game due to suspension Prespakis comfortably leads the possession tally for the club and did not miss a beat after her return. Prespakis consistently plays with a physicality, class and hunger that Carlton fans adore, making her one of the competitions best players to watch.
Breann Moody: Arguably the competitions’ best ruck, Moody has been one of Carlton’s consistent role players throughout the season. Not only is Moody influential in the ruck, but her ability to take contested marks and use her long clearing kick makes her one of Carlton’s most valuable assets. Moody finished 4th in the league for average hit outs, 6th for contested marks per game and 1st out of the rucks for meters gained. Breann’s fantastic season sees her as one of the favourites for Carlton’s BNF award.
Darcy Vescio: In career best form, Vescio kicked 16 goals to claim the AFLW leading goal kicker award for 2021. The first player to reach 40 career goals, the first player to kick 16 goals in a season; it was a year of record breaking for Vescio. Vescio could always be relied on to have an impact in the forward line and is fully deserving of a spot in the 21-woman AA squad.
Grace Egan, Lucy McEvoy, Georgia Gee, Abbie McKay and Maddy Prespakis were also all named in the 22 under 22 squad.
Overall Season grading:
2021 was a season that had set high expectations on a capable Carlton outfit which had promised so much yet delivered less than expected. Failure to reach the finals series after being tipped as the likely premiers was a big disappointment which ultimately stained Carlton’s 2021 campaign. Although the season provided an abundance of positives, the failure to make finals is an unignorable loss: D+.
