The Carlton Football Club has welcomed four new talented players to their women’s team. Lulu Beatty, Madeline Hendrie, Mariana Anthony, and Chloe Wrigley will be joining the club in the 2023 AFLW Supplementary Draft.
Beatty, a young defender, has been highly regarded for her work rate and football IQ. The 18-year-old currently plays for the VFLW Blues and was named co-captain for 2023 for the Northern Knights. She had to overcome an injury in the pre-season of 2022 but was able to make it back in Round 5, and her performances in the competition saw her invited to the AFLW Draft Combine. Beatty impressed at the combine, and her determination to improve has not gone unnoticed.
Hendrie is a versatile player who can play in various positions, from ruck to key defender. With a background in state athletics, she has a natural athleticism that allows her to shine. The 19-year-old previously played for the Western Bulldogs’ VFLW team and has also represented the Allies and the Sydney Swans Academy.
Anthony, a mature-age signing, adds experience to the Blues’ youthful outfit. She honed her craft in the VFLW competition for the Bombers and was a premiership player for Essendon in 2022. Anthony moved to North this season, where she impressed with her leadership and tenacity at the contest. The 25-year-old midfielder adds to the Blues’ running capacity and is a valuable addition to the team.
Wrigley, an inside midfielder, is a no-nonsense, high-production player. She consistently gets first hands on the football and is highly regarded for her attack on the ball and her direct opponent. The 23-year-old has played 50 games for the Peel Thunder and was named the best player on the ground in the first of her back-to-back premierships with the team in 2020. Wrigley arrives at the Blues in red-hot form, having starred in her most recent game with the Thunder, with 23 disposals and 17 tackles.
Brad Lloyd, the Carlton Head of Football, expressed his excitement for the four new players. He highlighted Beatty’s professionalism and Hendrie’s athleticism and versatility. He also praised Anthony’s experience and tenacity and Wrigley’s no-nonsense approach and attack on the ball.
The four new players are set to bring exciting strengths to the team, and the Carlton Football Club is looking forward to seeing what they can do in the upcoming season. With a mix of young talent and experienced players, the Blues are shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with in the AFLW competition.
