Despite making last season’s AFL Women’s Grand Final, Carlton found themselves at the top of the 2019 National Draft, thanks to captain Brianna Davey’s defection to Collingwood.
The Blues received a haul of picks from the Pies – including what was pick one at the time.
The selection was then bumped down to two by the whims of league HQ, who awarded the Tigers pick one so they could pass it along to the Bulldogs, who lost stars Katie Brennan and Monique Conti.
However, it wouldn’t have mattered for the Blues as they ended up getting their hands on the player at the top of their draft board – Lucy McEvoy.
The 2019 U18 All-Australian captain has proven herself elite in all three positions of the ground, something she has in common with the outgoing Blues captain.
McEvoy said Carlton did prepare her for the possibility of filling the void left by Davey’s absence, particularly in the midfield.
“They did mention that (filling Davey’s shoes) in our interview that they sort of wanted me to look into taking that role which is quite big, but I am looking forward to that challenge,” McEvoy told SEN.com.au.
“I was shocked to be honest, I thought that’s pretty big, but I couldn’t be happier.
“Hopefully I can make my own impact and get to know the girls myself.”
McEvoy was immediately won over by Carlton, who broke the ice by ribbing her father.
Phil McEvoy represented the Blues’ reserves team, but never played a senior game, as the Carlton brass was quick to remind him.
“Harf (coach Daniel Harford) and Ash (Blues GM Ash Brown) and Wayne (Blues list manager Wayne Siekman), they were really, really good so I was really impressed,” she said.
“They sort of came in and my dad used to play a few reserve games for Carlton and they came in and they had a reunion that day for some team and they go ‘you weren’t invited’ to dad because he was no good and I love that.
“A bit of an ice breaker, I love that, I thought it was awesome. From that moment I thought these guys are going to be great.
“They made a really good first impression and I was really impressed and said to my mum and dad that I’d love to play at Carlton.
“The culture they spoke about and the program they showed me, I was really impressed. I couldn’t be happier.
“They’re a really good side, they played in the Grand Final last year, so it’s going to take a lot of hard work to break into the side, but I’m willing to do it and put my best foot forward.”