CARLTON father-daughter prospect Sophie McKay is enjoying an outstanding debut season at Coates Talent League level, and now the bottom-ager is our Rookie Me Central Player of the Week nomination. McKay starred with 28 touches and booted three goals in the Dragons’ huge win over Western Jets in Round 10 yesterday.

In the absence of key players on both sides due to the AFL Women’s Academy taking on the Under 23 All-Stars at Marvel Stadium, McKay stood up and took control of the game to deliver the Dragons with their second consecutive win. After breaking the drought last week with a victory over Tasmania Devils, the Dragons made it two in a row by defeating the Jets, 12.5 (77) to 1.4 (10).

McKay was a clear best on ground in the win, picking up 28 disposals – 16 kicks, 12 handballs – two marks, eight inside 50s, laying three tackles and booting 3.1 to earn our Player of the Week nomination. It was her second game of 20-plus disposals, and second game where she kicked multiple goals, but McKay has been a standout all season for Sandringham.

In earning the Player of the Week nomination, McKay became the third consecutive non draft-eligible player, and fifth for the season. McKay also became the first Dragons player to earn a nomination, and the fourth from a metropolitan region. Looming as a potential Top 30 pick next year, McKay is a player to keep an eye on, particularly for those fans of the navy blue.

2023 RM CENTRAL TALENT LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1 – Sara Howley (Geelong Falcons)
Round 2 – Olivia Morris (Sydney Swans Academy)
Round 3 – Laura Stone (Eastern Ranges)
Round 4 – Alyssia Pisano (Eastern Ranges)
Round 5 – Kayley Kavanagh (Calder Cannons)
Round 6 – Sierra Grieves (Western Jets)
Round 7 – Chantal Mason (Geelong Falcons)
Round 8 – Ava Usher (Gold Coast Suns Academy)
Round 9 – Ash Centra (Gippsland Power)
Round 10 – Sophie McKay (Sandringham Dragons)