After an extremely successful surge into their maiden grand- final in 2019, all eyes will be on Carlton for the upcoming AFLW season.

The 2020 NAB AFLW draft brings 7 new players to Ikon Park including No. 2 pick Lucy McEvoy and No. 13 pick Grace Egan who join Carltons’ deep pool of talent and experience.

18 out of 21 Baggers return to Carlton, in hope of taking it one step further in 2020 looking for their maiden Premiership.

Gold Coast, St Kilda, West Coast and Richmond will join the AFLW competition for the first time in what will be the largest and most anticipated AFLW competition yet.

Carlton will be up against Richmond on Friday 7th February in a thrilling season opener as both teams look to steal the first points of the competition under the lights of Ikon Park.

Despite the notable departure of 2019 Captain Brianna Davey, a plethora of young talent and experience is among the 2020 squad.

For the first time in history Kerryn Harrington and Katie Loynes will co captain the 2020 season together, as the pair bring a wealth of experience and balance to tackle new challenges together.

What We Learned from Last season

The 2019 season saw some early losses and dropped points for the Baggers, which could have potentially ruined their finals hopes.  

This included an early loss to Geelong amongst other patches of inconsistently, especially within the opening rounds.

Consistency from the opening whistle will be most crucial to ensure that points and form is found early in the season.

2019 further saw Carlton take advantage of a weaker Conference B to finish at the top of their conference.

However taking just 16 points it would have seen them finish 5th overall between both the conferences.

Under the guidance of Daniel Hardford, Carlton’s dream run created a late surge into the 2019 finals winning five out of their last six games.

Despite this hard-fought effort, a 45 point touch up by Adelaide ended Carlton’s fairytale ending, providing even more desire and determination for success in 2020.

With the departure of their 2019 season captain Brianna Davey, Harrington and Loynes will be looking into the clubs future by driving standards and success within their dual leading role.

With less reliance on Davey, Carlton’s game plan will shift focus away from the new pies signing, offering plenty of opportunities for other players to shine this season.

“What Katie Loynes says about Carlton’ Challenges and Weakness”

Co-Captain Katie Loynes ensures Carltons’ focus for the 2020 season will be consistency across the whole season within all aspects of the game.

“Consistency will be our main goal, rather than setting an end target of winning the premiership.”

“We finished last year really strong but there were patches especially at the start of the season that need work.”

As an individual player Loynes has set herself some goals in focusing her time and energy into the new captaincy role and providing positive communication within the squad.

“Individually I’ll be focusing on my new leadership role, making sure communication is positive, especially on game days.”

Loynes Recognizes the noted impact the loss of previous Brenna Davey has had on the team, however with less focus and reliance on Davey, Loynes does believe her teammates will step up to the plate.

“To lose someone of that standard does hurt and is devastating but you just have to move forward and we can’t dwell on these moments.”

Carlton's Strengths

A successful 2020 draft saw 7 strong new signings to Carlton, bringing new talent, expression and athleticism to the squad including Lucy McEvoy (No. 2 pick) and Grace Egan (No.13 pick).

Along with these fresh faces we see many influential and experienced players return to the baggers coming off a strong 2019 season.

Australian Female Middleweight Title champion and AFLW icon Tayla Harris returns to Carlton after a momentous 2019 to lead Carltons’ attack. 2019 AFLW Rising star and AFLW all Australian recipient Madison Prespakis will also look to back up her incredible form in her debut AFLW taking control within the midfield.

Key Players

Rising Star-Lucy McEvoy

A clear standout in the 2020 NAB AFLW draft as pick No. 2 Lucy McEvoy joins the ‘Baggers’ for her debut season in the AFLW.

Already tipped to play a crucial role within the Carlton squad, McEvoy is also hot favorite to take out the 2020 NAB AFLW Rising Star award.

McEvoy has been an AFLW All-Australian for the past 3 seasons dominating the field completely with her incredible skill, versatility and leadership on the field,

The 19 year olds role and presence will be crucial for the baggers in not only 2020 but for the clubs future

“The One to Watch”- Breann Moody

22 year old Breann Moody will be Carlton’s one to watch this year as her she brings control, passion and hard-work amongst other attributes to the team.

Playing a crucial role in Carlton's ruck since debuting for in 2017, she has become one of Carlton’s most consistent and hardworking players on and off the field.  

Joint 2018 Best and Fairest Winner, Breann covers an incredible amount of ground in the ruck her role will be pivotal and influential in the 2020 season.

Key Player- Tayla Harris

Off the bat of an Australian Middle Weight Boxing title, Harris returns to the Carlton bringing elite athleticism, professionalism and skill to the team.

Since slamming media trolls with trademark kick Harris has positively impacted the AFLW and has become a role model within the community.

Harris will yet again play a critical role in Carlton’s attack for the 2020 season and her experience in high-pressure situations and level head will prove vital for the club.

Awarded 2019 “AFLW Mark of the Year” and Carlton’s lead goal scorer all eyes will be on Harris as she is set to make a statement in the 2020 season.