Imagine growing up in a family where football is practically in your DNA, yet almost walking away from the game entirely. That’s the story of Sophie McKay, one of the AFLW’s most exciting young talents. With a father who played 244 games for Carlton and an older sister captaining the Blues’ AFLW side, you’d think her path was set. But here’s where it gets intriguing: between the ages of 15 and 17, Sophie quit football. Why? She simply wasn’t having fun anymore. And this is the part most people miss—even with a family legacy, passion can flicker out if the joy isn’t there.
Sophie’s turning point came during a Carlton Academy day. She joined a Captain’s run and felt an instant spark. ‘This is exactly what I need to be doing,’ she recalled. It wasn’t just about returning to the game; it was about rediscovering the joy that had been missing. Now 19 and a Rising Star contender, Sophie’s energy and flair have become her trademarks. ‘I do my best when I’m having fun,’ she says, ‘and for me, that means bringing a lot of energy and just being silly.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Sophie believes Carlton was missing that same spark—a bit of flair that could come from anyone. Is she right? Could a shift in team culture be the key to success? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Sophie is part of a new wave of talent at the Blues, alongside Rising Star hopefuls Poppy Scholz and Lila Keck. Together, they’ve breathed life into a club that hadn’t seen finals action since 2020. Last season, Carlton finished 14th with just four wins. Fast forward to this year, and they’ve secured a finals spot with a dominant 20-point win over West Coast—a team they’ll face again this Saturday.
‘You could see the emotion,’ Sophie reflects. ‘A lot of our older players were in tears after the Eagles game—pure happiness and relief.’ For her sister Abbie, who’s been playing for seven years, this is her first final. ‘I feel lucky,’ Sophie admits. ‘It’s been a tough journey.’
Despite watching Abbie closely during her teenage years, Sophie was still shocked by the AFLW’s quality when she joined Carlton. ‘I thought, ‘Oh, wow,’ she says. ‘The outside noise says the standard isn’t good enough, but coming in, it’s the best I’ve ever seen.’ Her first practice game against Richmond was ‘a huge slap in the face’—facing strong, skilled women instead of teenagers. ‘I was on the floor after getting bumped,’ she laughs. ‘But it’s amazing how quickly you adapt.’
Sophie’s rapid rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Carlton coach Mathew Buck isn’t surprised by the media attention she’s received. ‘She brings it on herself,’ he jokes, nodding to her TikTok presence with Abbie. Yet, he’s equally impressed by her talent. ‘We’re only scratching the surface of the player she’ll become,’ he says.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In a sport where family legacies are common, how important is individual passion versus inherited talent? And could Sophie’s journey inspire others to rediscover their love for the game? Share your thoughts below!
