The Carlton Blues are riding an extraordinary wave of momentum that has propelled them to the brink of an AFLW grand final appearance, with young gun Sophie McKay emerging as the face of their remarkable resurgence.
The Unstoppable Momentum Builds
Something special has taken root at Princes Park, where Carlton's AFLW team has transformed from also-rans to genuine premiership contenders. Their semi-final demolition of Hawthorn served as emphatic proof that this is no fleeting run of form. From the opening whistle, the Blues displayed a single-minded intensity that overwhelmed their opponents, continuing the dominant form they established in their previous outing.
This jubilant brand of football has become Carlton's trademark since their season-turning round-three victory over Brisbane. What began as proof of concept has evolved into a genuine statement of intent, with the team now standing just one victory away from a grand final berth after nine consecutive wins.
More Than Just a Fairytale
While many have labelled Carlton's run as a "fairytale," this description overlooks the deliberate reconstruction that made it possible. The club's comprehensive post-2022 review initiated a complete cultural overhaul and significant staff changes around the team. Players and staff rightly identify this process as the turning point for a club that had previously failed to match the achievements of other inaugural AFLW teams.
Yet beyond the strategic planning, there's an organic quality to Carlton's success that can't be manufactured. The Blues aren't just winning—they're winning with style, flair, and unmistakable joy that has captivated fans and neutral observers alike.
The New Generation Leads the Way
Sophie McKay embodies this new Carlton spirit perfectly. As the younger sister of captain Abbie McKay, she has become a goal-scoring sensation and an unrelenting extrovert who inspires those around her. Her dramatic "injury celebrations" have gone viral across social media platforms, generating the kind of organic engagement the AFLW frequently seeks but seldom achieves.
The team's positive atmosphere extends throughout the squad. It's visible in Darcy Vescio's massive torpedo punt that secured Carlton's finals qualification, in Mimi Hill's superstitious goal-kicking routine before her dominant individual performance against Hawthorn, and in Kerryn Peterson's beaming smile from the sidelines that radiates as much joy as if she were on the field.
The Brisbane Challenge Awaits
This weekend's preliminary final presents Carlton with their toughest challenge yet. The Brisbane Lions bring methodical preparation and extensive experience to the contest, having navigated this stage multiple times before. They understand the pressures of preliminary finals and the hazards of the climb toward grand final glory.
Yet this familiarity might恰恰 be where Carlton finds their advantage. There's only so much preparation possible against the unknown, and at some point, matches are decided by execution rather than planning. If recent performances are any indication, the Blues have demonstrated they excel precisely when it comes to the doing.
Momentum and confidence alone cannot topple established powerhouses, yet history shows that no giant has ever fallen without them. Carlton, with the wind at their backs and genuine enjoyment evident in their approach, appear determined to prove this principle applies equally to women's football.
