Imagine almost walking away from your destiny. That's nearly what happened to AFLW's rising star, Sophie McKay – a name synonymous with football pedigree. But here's how she almost traded her boots for something else... and why her return is electrifying the league.
Sophie McKay isn't just another player; she's practically football royalty. Her father, Andrew McKay, is a Carlton legend, having played an impressive 244 games for the club. And her older sister, Abbie McKay, currently captains the Carlton AFLW team. Talk about a family legacy! Sophie's connection to the game runs deep; as a young girl of just 10, she had the honor of ringing the bell at Princes Park, signaling the historic start of the very first AFLW game back in 2017. It was a symbolic moment, seemingly cementing her place in the sport's future.
But here's where it gets controversial... Despite this incredible footballing heritage, and seemingly innate talent, Sophie actually quit football between the ages of 15 and 17. Yes, you read that right. She walked away. "I wasn't having fun with it, and I fell out of love with it a bit," McKay confessed to ABC Sport. It's a sentiment many young athletes can relate to – the pressure, the demands, the loss of simple enjoyment. But what brought her back?
The turning point came during a Carlton Academy day. McKay joined in a Captain's run and had a revelation. "Oh my goodness. Like, this is exactly what I need to be doing,'" she recalled. It wasn't just about fulfilling expectations or carrying on the family name; it was about rediscovering the joy of playing. This newfound sense of joy became the defining characteristic of her game. Returning to football with renewed energy, she quickly made a name for herself in her debut AFLW season.
"The way I do really well is having a lot of fun in that environment — and for me, that's with a lot of energy and kind of just being silly," the now 19-year-old Rising Star contender explained. "That kind of made me realise what I need in terms of feeling the best on the footy field, and I think that's kind of what Carlton was probably missing, that bit of flair — and that could be from anyone." It's a bold statement, suggesting that a little levity and passion can be just as important as skill and strategy. Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
McKay's arrival is part of a wave of exciting new talent injecting fresh energy into the Blues. Alongside fellow Rising Star hopeful Poppy Scholz and Lila Keck, she's helping to revitalize a club that hasn't seen finals action since 2020. And this is the part most people miss... it’s not just about individual brilliance; it’s about how young talent can uplift an entire team.
To understand the magnitude of this transformation, consider Carlton's recent history. Last season, they finished a disappointing 14th with only four wins and seven losses. The two years prior weren't much better, with 12th and 14th-place finishes. Even in season six of 2022, when they finished eighth, only the top six teams made it to the finals. This year, however, is a different story. The Blues secured their finals spot in November with a commanding 20-point victory over West Coast, setting up a rematch in week one of the finals.
"I've been around for the worser times, even if I'm on the other side of the fence … You could see the emotion, like a lot of our older players were in tears post the Eagles game, and that was pure happiness and almost relief as well," McKay shared. "Definitely last year was really hard, and I saw that with Abbie. You know, trying to lead a club and something's not clicking … 100 per cent I feel lucky [to be playing finals]. My sister has been playing for seven years, and this is her first final." Imagine witnessing your sibling struggle and then playing a key role in their long-awaited success!
Despite watching Abbie's journey closely from the sidelines during her teenage years, McKay admitted she was still shocked by the intensity and quality of the competition when she joined Carlton for pre-season training. For years, the public conversation around the AFLW had often focused on perceived shortcomings in the standard of play. "I came in and was like, 'Oh, wow'… I think outside noise, you can hear it everywhere that the standard's not very good or the reason people aren't watching is because they want the standard to be better, and I think when you're a kid reading into those things, you tend to kind of just jump on a bandwagon [of thought]," McKay explained. It's a crucial point about the power of perception and how easily young athletes can be influenced by negative narratives.
But coming in, it's the best standard I've ever been a part of. In the beginning, I fell short because I just wasn't as good … I think it does help having the younger players coming in that lift that standard a bit but, yeah, it's impressed me so much." She emphasized that the reality on the field far exceeded the external criticisms. This begs the question: Is the AFLW getting a fair shake from commentators and fans?
She vividly remembers her first practice game against Richmond, describing it as "a huge slap in the face." "Just like, 'Oh my god, everyone is so strong. I'm not versing teenagers anymore. I'm versing women' … I was like, 'Oh, they pushed me and I'm on the floor,'" McKay recounted, mimicking being bumped over. "And even the speed of the game, my first disposal was a throw. My first disposal in the practice game was holding the ball … But it's so amazing how you can adapt to things like that, that's really surprised me, just the ability to pick it up." This rapid adaptation speaks volumes about her potential and the growth she's already demonstrated.
Despite the rapid rise and increased attention, Sophie McKay doesn't shy away from the spotlight, both on and off the field. When asked if he was surprised by the media attention McKay has received, Carlton coach Mathew Buck simply laughed and said, "No. She brings it on herself," referring to her active social media presence and TikTok account with her sister Abbie (@themckaysisterss). But on her talent, he added that he wasn't surprised by the attention she received from opposition players either. "I think we're only scratching the surface of the player she's going to be," he predicted.
So, what do you think? Is Sophie McKay destined for greatness? And what role do you believe social media plays in shaping the careers of modern athletes? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
