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After a disappointing loss to Essendon, Carlton Senior Coach Mathew Buck reflected on the season that has been. While the Blues didn't crack the top eight, there were plenty of moments to be proud of throughout the year, but also plenty to work on moving forward. Buck said the group will take time in the upcoming week to dissect the areas of improvement and put a strong plan in place for 2025. Here's what he had to say:
On the Week 10 game:
"We celebrated Jess Dal Pos’ retirement tonight. There’s that feeling but we’ve got a gap that we have to close against the rest of the competition. "We’ll reflect on the year: we’ll have some moments we’re really proud of but the consistency across the year just wasn’t there for us. That’s our big product moving forward: how do we become a more consistent side so that we can close that gap?"
On the improvements in 2024:
"I absolutely feel like we took steps forward and when we look at our midfield group, young Keeley Sherar in there who has had an outstanding season. I’ll be shocked if she doesn’t make the All-Australian squad again, Abbie McKay rose to another level which is terrific, carrying injury throughout the year and couldn’t get up tonight, Meg Robertson has had a fantastic year down back. "We’ve played some tough teams, we’ve had a good go at the top eight sides this year and we’ve got our feedback on our areas of improvement, but that probably hides the growth a little bit in terms of results and where we finished. "I’m really pleased with the growth we’ve had. Do we want more? Absolutely we do and we’ll chase that really hard because we’ve got a hungry group that wants to get better."
On Ciara Fitzgerald's performance:
"Ciara’s effort was incredible. She actually nicked her hamstring in the warm-up, so had to play through that as well. An injury replacement player who has taken her opportunity with both hands. "Tonight seeing her flying around like that with her hamstring is a credit to the work she’s put in and as a high-performing athlete across all facets. I’m really proud of her game tonight, but overall, the player and the person she’s turned into."
On Abbie McKay's late withdrawal and Lila Keck coming into the game:
"'Abs' had been carrying an injury, so it was a week-by-week proposition and unfortunately, it was too much tonight to get her up. "You just plug in and play. It gave Lila Keck an opportunity and Maddy Guerin did a little bit more midfield time tonight than we wanted to use her, but she’s well-equipped to go through there. "In terms of moving magnets, Lila knows her role and made the most of her opportunity tonight, it wasn’t too much of a distribution to the team."
On key improvement areas moving forward:
"Certainly, our ability to connect with the forward line. We feel like we’ve had some opportunities to go inside 50 but we haven’t been able to capitalise. "When you look at Adelaide, their key forwards really have a strong impact on the game and that’s through the consistent ball use they get through the mid part of the ground. "That’s something we definitely need to chase and that’s what the great teams in our competition do. Their ability to connect with their forwards in their forward end is helping."
On luring trade targets to Carlton:
"We think our program is as good as anyone's. We run a really elite program and I think Keeley Sherar and the players I mentioned earlier are products of that. "We’re a young, developing group that is hungry to get better and wants to be a top eight side. There’s all the facets of trade and draft over the next few weeks and we’ll certainly be in there."
On Sophie McKay:
"'Soph' is different to Abbie, she has plenty of energy. We’ve seen her play some great games through the national championships over the last couple of years. She’s a dynamic footballer who would certainly support our group."
On the effects of the condensed fixture:
"It’s been a tough year in terms of the fixture and workload across a shortened season. "That’s been the tough part of the competition but it’s been hard for everyone. I think when I watch as a product, stepping back and looking at the big picture, I think it’s hurt the product a little bit and we’re not seeing the best of what our players can produce. "I think the more time we can give our athletes to recover and be at their best every week is a no brainer for me. "We were two days away from a game a lot throughout the year, it left our ability to train and improve - it wasn’t where we’d like it to be. "We need to continue to improve every week and training helps us do that, but the condensed fixture means recovery, preparing to play and there was no training during that period."
As the dust settles on the season for clubs out of the premiership race, the review process begins in earnest - and that includes from our AFL.com.au experts, too. We look at what worked, what didn't, season highlights, and what your club needs to do ahead of next season.
Where they finished
14th (four wins, seven losses, 50 per cent)
What worked
While a 14th-place finish was never the goal for Mathew Buck and his troops, there were plenty of positives to come out of 2024 for the Blues. One of those was the unearthing of Irishwoman Dayna Finn, who thrived on the wing this year after coming onto the scene last year. Finn's high workrate and pace were big assets for the Blues' midfield, which was also bolstered by the form of midfielder Maddy Guerin. Guerin has well and truly put her injury issues behind her, compiling a career-best season where she averaged 18.5 disposals, 7.2 tackles and 4.6 clearances a game. Elsewhere, Carlton's midfield trio of Abbie McKay, Mimi Hill and Keeley Sherar also had strong seasons. McKay is a beast at the contest, Sherar is an absolute ball-magnet, and Hill continues to consistently perform. The Blues also had veteran defender Harriet Cordner receive an All-Australian squad nod, after averaging 7.8 intercepts per match.
What didn't work
Carlton struggled to stem the bleeding in several matches this year, which contributed to their lowly percentage, the second worst in the competition. The Blues were blown out of the water by Hawthorn, Richmond, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Brisbane, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs. Seven losses by five or more goals in an 11-game season just doesn't cut it for a finals aspirant. The Blues also struggled in the mid-week footy period, losing all four of their matches within 16 days. Carlton's forward line failed to fire, booting just 35 goals for the year. If the Blues are to continue their upwards trajectory, then finding a way to remain competitive for longer and getting closer to the top sides is a major priority for Buck and his coaching staff.
Season highlight
The Blues secured three thrilling victories over the course of 2024, which certainly rose the heart rate of fans. In week two, Guerin was the hero after a late snap against Gold Coast, while Sherar came up clutch in their week seven fixture on the road against Fremantle. It was Finn who stepped up against Collingwood in week nine, executing a superb left-foot snap under pressure to win the Blues the game. Blues fans have certainly had bang for their buck at those matches. Former Pie Tarni Brown proved she is a player for the future, while Meg Robertson and Lily Goss also showed some promising signs.
Targets in the player movement period/draft
The first area the Blues need to target over the off-season is finding a gun forward. Admittedly star forwards don't grow on trees, but it's hard to see how their current mix will drive them forward. Celine Moody was recruited over the off-season to try and bolster their tall stocks but didn't set the world on fire, while sister Breann kicked just five goals splitting her time between the ruck and forward line. Youngster Mia Austin also booted five for the year as she continues to find her feet at AFLW level. As reported by AFL.com.au, the Blues have interest in Adelaide winger Maddi Newman and Sydney defender Ella Heads, who would both add extra class to the Blues' ball movement. From a draft perspective, the Blues have access to father-daughter jet Sophie McKay, who has starred for the Sandringham Dragons in recent times. McKay, the sister of Abbie and daughter of Andrew, is quick, clean around the contest and has a knack of finding ways to hit the scoreboard.
Captain: Kerryn Peterson
Vice-Captains: Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay
Leadership Group: Kerryn Peterson, Mimi Hill & Abbie McKay
Best and Fairest: Keeley Sherar
Leading Goalkicker: Mia Austin, Breann Moody & Keeley Skepper tied with 5 goals.
Debut (Carlton):Celine Moody, Tarni Brown, Yasmin Duursma, Jade Halfpenny
50 Games: Abbie McKay
50 Games (AFLW): Celine Moody
Second place: Abbie McKay
Third place: Jess Good
Equal Fourth place: Mimi Hill & Maddy Guerin
Rookie of the Year award: Meg Robertson
Most Valuable Bluebagger: Harriet Cordner
Coaches Award: Harriet Cordner
Keeley Sherar – 7
Breann Moody – 3
Darcy Vescio – 3
Madeleine Guerin – 2
Mimi Hill – 1
Total Votes: 16 votes
5 goals - Breann Moody
5 goals - Keeley Skepper
4 goals - Keeley Sherar
Week 1
1st Elimination Final: Fremantle 5.6.36 d Essendon 4.2.26
2nd Elimination Final: Port Adelaide 11.6.72 d Richmond 7.6.48
1st Qualifying Final: North Melbourne 5.8.38 d Adelaide Crows 5.1.31
2nd Qualifying Final: Brisbane Lions 6.2.28 d Hawthorn 4.8.32
Week 2
1st Semi Final: Adelaide Crows 7.7.49 d Fremantle 1.6.12
2nd Semi Final: Port Adelaide 7.8.50 d Hawthorn 6.13.49
Week 3
1st Preliminary Final: North Melbourne 12.6.78 d Port Adelaide 2.9.21
2nd Preliminary Final: Brisbane Lions 7.8.50 d Adelaide Crows 4.8.32
Week 4
Grand Final: North Melbourne 6.3.39 d Brisbane Lions 1.3.9
2024 Summary
AFLW Season No.9.What they said: Buck reflects on 2024 season
Mathew Buck is proud of the development he's seen in the young crop of players in 2024. - By Carlton MediaAfter a disappointing loss to Essendon, Carlton Senior Coach Mathew Buck reflected on the season that has been. While the Blues didn't crack the top eight, there were plenty of moments to be proud of throughout the year, but also plenty to work on moving forward. Buck said the group will take time in the upcoming week to dissect the areas of improvement and put a strong plan in place for 2025. Here's what he had to say:
On the Week 10 game:
"We celebrated Jess Dal Pos’ retirement tonight. There’s that feeling but we’ve got a gap that we have to close against the rest of the competition. "We’ll reflect on the year: we’ll have some moments we’re really proud of but the consistency across the year just wasn’t there for us. That’s our big product moving forward: how do we become a more consistent side so that we can close that gap?"
On the improvements in 2024:
"I absolutely feel like we took steps forward and when we look at our midfield group, young Keeley Sherar in there who has had an outstanding season. I’ll be shocked if she doesn’t make the All-Australian squad again, Abbie McKay rose to another level which is terrific, carrying injury throughout the year and couldn’t get up tonight, Meg Robertson has had a fantastic year down back. "We’ve played some tough teams, we’ve had a good go at the top eight sides this year and we’ve got our feedback on our areas of improvement, but that probably hides the growth a little bit in terms of results and where we finished. "I’m really pleased with the growth we’ve had. Do we want more? Absolutely we do and we’ll chase that really hard because we’ve got a hungry group that wants to get better."
On Ciara Fitzgerald's performance:
"Ciara’s effort was incredible. She actually nicked her hamstring in the warm-up, so had to play through that as well. An injury replacement player who has taken her opportunity with both hands. "Tonight seeing her flying around like that with her hamstring is a credit to the work she’s put in and as a high-performing athlete across all facets. I’m really proud of her game tonight, but overall, the player and the person she’s turned into."
On Abbie McKay's late withdrawal and Lila Keck coming into the game:
"'Abs' had been carrying an injury, so it was a week-by-week proposition and unfortunately, it was too much tonight to get her up. "You just plug in and play. It gave Lila Keck an opportunity and Maddy Guerin did a little bit more midfield time tonight than we wanted to use her, but she’s well-equipped to go through there. "In terms of moving magnets, Lila knows her role and made the most of her opportunity tonight, it wasn’t too much of a distribution to the team."
On key improvement areas moving forward:
"Certainly, our ability to connect with the forward line. We feel like we’ve had some opportunities to go inside 50 but we haven’t been able to capitalise. "When you look at Adelaide, their key forwards really have a strong impact on the game and that’s through the consistent ball use they get through the mid part of the ground. "That’s something we definitely need to chase and that’s what the great teams in our competition do. Their ability to connect with their forwards in their forward end is helping."
On luring trade targets to Carlton:
"We think our program is as good as anyone's. We run a really elite program and I think Keeley Sherar and the players I mentioned earlier are products of that. "We’re a young, developing group that is hungry to get better and wants to be a top eight side. There’s all the facets of trade and draft over the next few weeks and we’ll certainly be in there."
On Sophie McKay:
"'Soph' is different to Abbie, she has plenty of energy. We’ve seen her play some great games through the national championships over the last couple of years. She’s a dynamic footballer who would certainly support our group."
On the effects of the condensed fixture:
"It’s been a tough year in terms of the fixture and workload across a shortened season. "That’s been the tough part of the competition but it’s been hard for everyone. I think when I watch as a product, stepping back and looking at the big picture, I think it’s hurt the product a little bit and we’re not seeing the best of what our players can produce. "I think the more time we can give our athletes to recover and be at their best every week is a no brainer for me. "We were two days away from a game a lot throughout the year, it left our ability to train and improve - it wasn’t where we’d like it to be. "We need to continue to improve every week and training helps us do that, but the condensed fixture means recovery, preparing to play and there was no training during that period."
Blues' season review: Forward line an issue, duo reach new heights
Our reporters run the rule over your club's 2024 AFLW campaign - By Dylan Bolch.As the dust settles on the season for clubs out of the premiership race, the review process begins in earnest - and that includes from our AFL.com.au experts, too. We look at what worked, what didn't, season highlights, and what your club needs to do ahead of next season.
Where they finished
14th (four wins, seven losses, 50 per cent)
What worked
While a 14th-place finish was never the goal for Mathew Buck and his troops, there were plenty of positives to come out of 2024 for the Blues. One of those was the unearthing of Irishwoman Dayna Finn, who thrived on the wing this year after coming onto the scene last year. Finn's high workrate and pace were big assets for the Blues' midfield, which was also bolstered by the form of midfielder Maddy Guerin. Guerin has well and truly put her injury issues behind her, compiling a career-best season where she averaged 18.5 disposals, 7.2 tackles and 4.6 clearances a game. Elsewhere, Carlton's midfield trio of Abbie McKay, Mimi Hill and Keeley Sherar also had strong seasons. McKay is a beast at the contest, Sherar is an absolute ball-magnet, and Hill continues to consistently perform. The Blues also had veteran defender Harriet Cordner receive an All-Australian squad nod, after averaging 7.8 intercepts per match.
What didn't work
Carlton struggled to stem the bleeding in several matches this year, which contributed to their lowly percentage, the second worst in the competition. The Blues were blown out of the water by Hawthorn, Richmond, North Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Brisbane, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs. Seven losses by five or more goals in an 11-game season just doesn't cut it for a finals aspirant. The Blues also struggled in the mid-week footy period, losing all four of their matches within 16 days. Carlton's forward line failed to fire, booting just 35 goals for the year. If the Blues are to continue their upwards trajectory, then finding a way to remain competitive for longer and getting closer to the top sides is a major priority for Buck and his coaching staff.
Season highlight
The Blues secured three thrilling victories over the course of 2024, which certainly rose the heart rate of fans. In week two, Guerin was the hero after a late snap against Gold Coast, while Sherar came up clutch in their week seven fixture on the road against Fremantle. It was Finn who stepped up against Collingwood in week nine, executing a superb left-foot snap under pressure to win the Blues the game. Blues fans have certainly had bang for their buck at those matches. Former Pie Tarni Brown proved she is a player for the future, while Meg Robertson and Lily Goss also showed some promising signs.
Targets in the player movement period/draft
The first area the Blues need to target over the off-season is finding a gun forward. Admittedly star forwards don't grow on trees, but it's hard to see how their current mix will drive them forward. Celine Moody was recruited over the off-season to try and bolster their tall stocks but didn't set the world on fire, while sister Breann kicked just five goals splitting her time between the ruck and forward line. Youngster Mia Austin also booted five for the year as she continues to find her feet at AFLW level. As reported by AFL.com.au, the Blues have interest in Adelaide winger Maddi Newman and Sydney defender Ella Heads, who would both add extra class to the Blues' ball movement. From a draft perspective, the Blues have access to father-daughter jet Sophie McKay, who has starred for the Sandringham Dragons in recent times. McKay, the sister of Abbie and daughter of Andrew, is quick, clean around the contest and has a knack of finding ways to hit the scoreboard.
People of 2024
Coach: Mathew BuckCaptain: Kerryn Peterson
Vice-Captains: Mimi Hill and Abbie McKay
Leadership Group: Kerryn Peterson, Mimi Hill & Abbie McKay
Best and Fairest: Keeley Sherar
Leading Goalkicker: Mia Austin, Breann Moody & Keeley Skepper tied with 5 goals.
Milestones
Debut: Lulu Beatty, Lila Keck, Meg RobertsonDebut (Carlton):Celine Moody, Tarni Brown, Yasmin Duursma, Jade Halfpenny
50 Games: Abbie McKay
50 Games (AFLW): Celine Moody
Honours
AFLW Under 22 Squad Nominations: Midfielders: Keeley Sherar, Mimi Hill.Awards
Best and Fairest: Keeley SherarSecond place: Abbie McKay
Third place: Jess Good
Equal Fourth place: Mimi Hill & Maddy Guerin
Rookie of the Year award: Meg Robertson
Most Valuable Bluebagger: Harriet Cordner
Coaches Award: Harriet Cordner
AFLW Best and Fairest
Keeley Sherar's seven votes weren't just the most for Carlton on Monday night, but her career-best return across her four seasons, solidifying her rise up the Blues' ranks. Ruck Breann Moody polled three quick ones early in the season, while Darcy Vescio claimed the three in the club's come-from-behind win over Fremantle in week seven.Keeley Sherar – 7
Breann Moody – 3
Darcy Vescio – 3
Madeleine Guerin – 2
Mimi Hill – 1
Total Votes: 16 votes
Leading Goalkickers
5 goals - Mimi Austin5 goals - Breann Moody
5 goals - Keeley Skepper
4 goals - Keeley Sherar
Ladder
| Pos | Team | W | D | L | Pts | For | Agn | % |
| 1 | North Melbourne | 10 | 1 | 1 | 42 | 656 | 208 | 315.4 |
| 2 | Hawthorn | 10 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 597 | 309 | 193.2 |
| 3 | Brisbane Lions | 9 | 0 | 2 | 36 | 611 | 335 | 182.4 |
| 4 | Adelaide Crows | 8 | 0 | 3 | 28 | 494 | 285 | 173.3 |
| 5 | Fremantle | 8 | 0 | 3 | 32 | 404 | 297 | 136.0 |
| 6 | Port Adelaide | 7 | 0 | 4 | 28 | 431 | 364 | 118.4 |
| 7 | Richmond | 6 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 442 | 337 | 131.2 |
| 8 | Essendon | 6 | 1 | 4 | 26 | 376 | 359 | 104.7 |
| 9 | Melbourne | 6 | 0 | 5 | 24 | 369 | 420 | 87.9 |
| 10 | Geelong Cats | 4 | 1 | 6 | 18 | 479 | 437 | 109.6 |
| 11 | St Kilda | 4 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 379 | 396 | 95.7 |
| 12 | Western Bulldogs | 4 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 291 | 461 | 63.1 |
| 13 | West Coast Eagles | 4 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 320 | 509 | 62.9 |
| 14 | Carlton | 4 | 0 | 7 | 16 | 266 | 532 | 50.0 |
| 15 | Sydney Swans | 3 | 0 | 8 | 12 | 395 | 538 | 73.4 |
| 16 | GWS Giants | 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 374 | 531 | 70.4 |
| 17 | Gold Coast Suns | 1 | 1 | 9 | 6 | 311 | 569 | 54.7 |
| 18 | Collingwood | 1 | 0 | 10 | 4 | 245 | 553 | 44.3 |
2024 AFLW Finals Series
Week 1
1st Elimination Final: Fremantle 5.6.36 d Essendon 4.2.26
2nd Elimination Final: Port Adelaide 11.6.72 d Richmond 7.6.48
1st Qualifying Final: North Melbourne 5.8.38 d Adelaide Crows 5.1.31
2nd Qualifying Final: Brisbane Lions 6.2.28 d Hawthorn 4.8.32
Week 2
1st Semi Final: Adelaide Crows 7.7.49 d Fremantle 1.6.12
2nd Semi Final: Port Adelaide 7.8.50 d Hawthorn 6.13.49
Week 3
1st Preliminary Final: North Melbourne 12.6.78 d Port Adelaide 2.9.21
2nd Preliminary Final: Brisbane Lions 7.8.50 d Adelaide Crows 4.8.32
Week 4
Grand Final: North Melbourne 6.3.39 d Brisbane Lions 1.3.9