In a significant list management decision, the Carlton Football Club has parted ways with former AFLW captain Kerryn Peterson, leaving the veteran defender to contemplate her playing future just months after welcoming her first child.
End of an Era for Blues Leader
Kerryn Peterson, aged 33, was not offered a contract for the upcoming 2025 AFLW season, effectively ending her tenure at Ikon Park. The club confirmed her departure in an official statement released on Friday. Peterson had been a stalwart for the Blues, playing 64 consecutive games across six seasons since being rookied in 2018, never missing a match in that remarkable stretch.
Her exit follows a period of maternity leave. Peterson was moved to Carlton’s inactive list in February after announcing her pregnancy. She gave birth to her son, Max, in August and subsequently relinquished the captaincy to Abbie McKay before sitting out the entire 2024 season.
"As a lifelong supporter of the club, it’s been a privilege to pull on the navy blue jumper and lead the team on and off the field," Peterson said in the club's statement. "I’ll forever be indebted to my teammates, coaches and high performance staff and fans for their support over the journey."
A Decorated Carlton Career
Peterson, formerly known as Kerryn Harrington before her marriage, switched to Australian rules football after a career in the WNBL. Her impact was immediate and profound. A key defender, she earned All-Australian honours in 2019, 2020, and 2022. Her leadership saw her serve as co-captain from 2020 to 2021 before taking on the sole captaincy from 2022 until the start of this year.
Carlton coach Mathew Buck paid tribute to her influence. "She has been a central figure at Carlton ever since she stepped through the door," Buck said. "Her legacy and her Carlton connection will always remain and her impact is a key reason why the next wave of leaders we have coming through are in a great position to take our football club forward."
Blues Active in Trade Period
Peterson’s departure coincides with a busy trade period for the preliminary finalists. Carlton is aggressively targeting several players to bolster its list for a 2025 premiership push. The club's confirmed trade targets include:
- Adelaide’s Brooke Boileau, who has requested a trade to Carlton.
- Contracted GWS Giants defender Cambridge McCormick.
- Gold Coast duo Claudia Whitfort and Lauren Bella.
In other list moves on Friday, Carlton traded their 2026 first-round and third-round draft picks to North Melbourne in exchange for this year’s pick No. 19 and the Kangaroos’ 2026 second-round selection. Meanwhile, Richmond secured untried former North Melbourne midfielder Georgia Stubs in a separate deal.
The club's statement indicated Peterson would now "weigh up her playing future" in the coming weeks, leaving open the possibility of a move to another AFLW club or retirement.
