Debut : Round 3, 2022 vs Brisbane Lions.
Carlton Player No. 68
Games : 37 *
Goals : 7 *
Guernsey No.: 25
Height : 170 cm (5'6")
DOB : 29th October 2003
Carlton's AFLW side has welcomed the athletic Keeley Sherar on the night of the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft from the Eastern Ranges. As a consistent ball winner with an impressive turn of foot, Sherar averaged 14.8 disposals in the NAB League competition in 2021. Sherar's athleticism is something that caught many recruiters eyes, along with her ability to back it up with tackling pressure and setting up scoring opportunities. As well as performing well for the Eastern Ranges, Sherar played four solid games for Hawthorn’s VFLW side, with her transition running and physicality in the contest standing out in equal measure.
Keeley Sherar who was a childhood Bluebagger arrived at the Blues at the end of last year as a first-round draft selection, impressing as a speedy midfielder for the Eastern Ranges. She would make her debut with the Blues against the reigning premiers Brisbane Lions up on the Gold Coast. This game would be joint debuts with Brooke Vickers playing her first game in the seniors. Carlton General Manager of Women’s Football Brett Munro says it is great to see young talent successfully making their way through the program. “Both Keeley and Brooke were selected in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft and have had outstanding pre-seasons, so we are excited to see them become the latest Game Changers to debut this season,” he said. “Both players will have family members travel to the Gold Coast to watch their debuts which will make the moment even more special for them both.”
Carlton was given a glance into the future as second-game midfielder Sherar starred in what was an otherwise miserable day for the club. Eighteen-year-old Sherar, who was recruited at pick No.11 in the 2021 NAB AFLW Draft, impressed in the NAB League competition with the Eastern Ranges last season averaging 14.8 disposals and five tackles a game, while also playing four matches in Hawthorn’s VFLW side. Sherar showcased composure and physicality in the contest beyond her years, finishing the game with 19 disposals and the second most metres gained for the Blues. Her performance also impressed the coaches as she received a vote in the AFL Coaches’ Association award.
Player Profile pre-draft.
Keeley Sherar was one of the surprise packets of the NAB League season, stepping up in the Eastern midfield to good effect. Sherar provided a consistent ball winning option, never dropping below 10 disposals during the campaign, being one of the main drivers of the footy going forward. Sherar’s specialty became her clearance winning, where she utilised her top level burst speed and side step to beat opponents to the ball and get around oncoming pressure and kick as long as she could forward. Whilst she did favour kicking when disposing the ball through the year, her hands in tight were particularly impressive and will be a dangerous asset at the next level. Was played largely on the half-forward flank during the NAB AFLW U19 Championships with Vic Metro, averaging the 8.5 disposals, two marks and four tackles per game, she showed potential to play as a high half forward with some more time to learn the role, pushing well up the ground to present as a switch option and send the ball inside 50. After the Eastern Ranges bowed out in the Preliminary final, Sherar went on to represent Hawthorn in the VFLW for their final four matches of the season. As she progresses in her football career, Sherar will look to improve her kicking execution in particular, where at times she looked rushed and confused under pressure, but when she had time to think about her kicking the result was generally good, able to get penetration and distance behind her kicks, making her clearance winning all the more dangerous. With consistency in her kicking execution, it could also aid any possible position switch, combining with her marking, handballing and ground ball winning to make her a very dangerous all rounder.
Recruited from Norwood (Vic)/North Ringwood (Vic)/Eastern U18/Hawthorn (VFLW).
Career Highlights
2022 – AFLW Rising Star Nominees - Round 4, 2022 vs North Melbourne.2023 - 4th Best and Fairest
2023 - Coaches Award
2024 - Best and Fairest
Sherar's Blueseum Image Gallery