McKays to make history at the Blues

CARLTON will nominate emerging star Abbie McKay as football’s historic first fatherdaughter recruit.

The 17-year-old is the daughter of Carlton premiership defender Andrew McKay.

But the Blues could have a fight to secure the Vic Metro midfielder and are likely to have bid up for her with several rival clubs showing interest.

McKay started out playing for a team her mum Sam established at the Prahran Junior Football Club and this year she made the All-Australian side at the under-18 championships.

She played her first VFLW game for Carlton late last month.

“When I was running out, I heard someone yell: ‘Go Blues’, and I thought: ‘ Wow, this is so weird, this is Carlton’,” the Year 12 student at Melbourne Girls’ Grammar said.

“I feel comfortable here. It’s my personal goal to play here, not necessarily just because Dad played here.

“It’s not guaranteed, I could go to any club.”

McKay Sr, a four-time All-Australian and 244-gamer with the Blues, said he would be delighted if his daughter could join the ranks at Ikon Park.

“I’d love her to be drafted by Carlton of course but, if she gets drafted by any other club, then we’ll be rapt with that too,” he said.

The Blues could be even bigger winners down the track with Abbie’s sister Sophie, 12, also showing promise. The national draft is on October 23. Nominations open today.

McKay Sr recently departed as the Blues’ football boss after seven years.