Imagine being born into a football dynasty, yet almost walking away from the game entirely. That’s the story of Sophie McKay, one of the AFLW’s most exciting young talents. But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: despite her family’s legendary football legacy, Sophie nearly hung up her boots during her teenage years. Why? She simply wasn’t having fun anymore—a revelation that might surprise many, given her bloodline. Her father, Andrew McKay, is a Carlton icon with 244 games under his belt, and her older sister, Abbie, now captains the Blues’ AFLW side. Even at 10 years old, Sophie rang the bell at Princes Park to mark the start of the inaugural AFLW game in 2017. Yet, between 15 and 17, she stepped away from the sport she was seemingly destined for.
It wasn’t until a Carlton Academy day, when she joined a Captain’s run, that the spark reignited. ‘This is exactly what I need to be doing,’ she recalled thinking. That moment of rediscovery brought with it a newfound energy—a blend of joy, silliness, and pure passion—that has since become her trademark on the field. Now 19 and a Rising Star contender, Sophie credits her success to one simple philosophy: ‘Having a lot of fun in that environment.’
But here’s the part most people miss: Sophie’s return wasn’t just about her. She’s part of a wave of fresh talent at Carlton, including fellow Rising Star hopefuls Poppy Scholz and Lila Keck, who have breathed new life into a club that hadn’t seen finals action since 2020. Last season, the Blues finished a disappointing 14th with just four wins. Fast forward to this year, and they’ve secured a finals spot with a commanding 20-point win over West Coast—a victory so emotional that even seasoned players were in tears.
‘I feel lucky,’ Sophie admits, reflecting on her sister Abbie’s seven-year wait for her first final. ‘You could see the relief and happiness.’ Yet, despite growing up watching Abbie from the sidelines, Sophie was still taken aback by the AFLW’s intensity when she joined Carlton’s pre-season. ‘Everyone is so strong,’ she marveled. ‘I’m not versing teenagers anymore—I’m versing women.’
And this is where it gets controversial: while public discourse often criticizes the AFLW’s standard, Sophie argues the opposite. ‘It’s the best standard I’ve ever been a part of,’ she insists. Sure, younger players like her are raising the bar, but she believes the league’s quality has been unfairly underestimated. Is she right? Or is there still room for growth? We’ll let you decide in the comments.
Off the field, Sophie’s magnetic personality shines just as brightly. Her TikTok account with Abbie (@themckaysisterss) has become a hit, and Carlton coach Mathew Buck jokes that she ‘brings the attention on herself.’ But make no mistake—her talent speaks for itself. ‘We’re only scratching the surface of the player she’s going to be,’ Buck says. With her infectious energy, unwavering passion, and a family legacy to uphold, Sophie McKay is not just a rising star—she’s a force to be reckoned with. What do you think? Is Sophie the future of the AFLW, or is the hype too early? Let us know below!
