Kerryn Peterson, captain of the Carlton Football Club, is on the brink of a new and thrilling adventure. She’s preparing for the 2025 AFLW season! The charismatic 33-year-old leader had announced her pregnancy with glee last February. Only days before the season’s first game, she gave birth to her son, Max Edward Peterson. This serendipitous timing has created an even greater buzz within her family. They have one more thing to cheer about with the team she has vigorously steered since 2020.
Peterson’s path to the AFLW has been nothing short of inspirational. Following in the footsteps of her father, club legend Andrew Peterson, she took on the captaincy role with great enthusiasm. In May, Coughlin reflected on her new role as captain. She highlighted collaboration and collective leadership among the team of coaches.
“I have so many incredible people around me and I know leadership is not a role for one person: our team has a one-in-all-in mentality,” she stated. During her tenure, this philosophy has really shone through. She has trained regularly under head coach Matthew Buck during pre-season, remaining hands-on despite her upcoming maternity leave.
Due to her pregnancy, Peterson will be sitting out of the 2025 season. She won’t be playing, she is resolute in supporting her teammates from the bench. With her husband Joel at her side, they can’t wait to start their next adventure as parents.
“Joel and I have a really exciting journey ahead of us and can’t wait to welcome our own little Bluebagger into the world,” Peterson expressed.
Even as she moves away from the game, her leadership and passion will have an echoing impact on the Carlton team. Peterson’s love for the game is evident by everything she does. Her journey is proving to be an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, showing that with dedication and effort, anything is possible.
