It was a display of young talent that powered Carlton to a commanding 41-point AFLW elimination final win over West Coast.
In wet and cold conditions at Ikon Park on Saturday afternoon, the Blues led for the duration to prevail 9.6 (60) to 2.7 (19) in their first finals appearance since 2020.
Leading by just seven points at halftime, Carlton slammed through four goals in the first 10 minutes of the third term to stun the Eagles, who were in the club’s first AFLW final.
Former Montrose Football Club and Eastern Ranges player Mia Austin topped off a perfect term, kicking Carlton’s sixth major after the three-quarter time siren.
The 21-year-old was mobbed by teammates after the goal and became emotional.
Austin has been dealing with the pain of losing her young cousin Ben, who tragically died after being struck by a ball at his local cricket club two weeks ago.
She didn’t travel with Carlton to Perth when the Blues ended the home-and-away season last Friday night with a win over the Eagles.
“As a whole playing group, wider club, we’ve got around her as best we can and put in the supports we need,” Carlton coach Matthew Buck said.
“It’s a credit to Mia. She’s been a real professional throughout and continued to train at a really high level.
“She’s been out of the team for a number of weeks, but she’s been training well and took her opportunity with both hands.
“She took her moment as well which I was really proud to see.”
McKay, the younger sister of Carlton captain Abbie and the daughter of club great Andrew, booted two of the third-quarter goals to inject serious energy into the Blues’ team.
A contender for the AFLW Rising Star, the 19-year-old celebrated in style after slotting her important goals.
Fellow Blues young gun Poppy Scholz got in on the act, booting Carlton’s fifth goal of the third quarter.
The Blues will meet Hawthorn next week in a semi-final.
