Carlton AFLW captain Kerryn Peterson has shared joyful news, announcing the birth of her first child with husband Joel.
The 33-year-old revealed her pregnancy in February, confirming she would miss the 2025 AFLW season, starting on Thursday night.
Their baby boy made his arrival right on cue to support his mum’s team.
“Max Edward Peterson,” the couple announced on Tuesday night.
“What an absolute dream.”
The Carlton club quickly celebrated the news, with teammates sending their love and excitement.
“As if Thursday night’s season opener wasn’t exciting enough,” the club wrote. “Sending all the love in the world to Kez and husband Joel on the arrival of Max.”
Vice-captain Mimi Hill commented, “He’s so cute my guyyy.”
“Can’t wait to babysit! Congrats ily,” AFLW player Keeley Skepper.
“Beautiful fam. Welcome to the world Max,” Darcy Vescio added.
Former teammate Mua Laloifi commented, “How beautiful. Congratulations to you both!”
Aussie basketballer Alice Kunek also joined in, writing, “Congratulations! He is beautiful.”
Peterson, who has captained Carlton since 2020, remained closely involved in the pre-season alongside coach Matthew Buck.
“Joel and I have a really exciting journey ahead of us and can’t wait to welcome our own little Bluebagger into the world,” she said when announcing her pregnancy earlier this year.
“This footy club and its people have always been the most incredible support to us, and we’re excited for our baby to become part of it.
“It will be a different looking year for me, I’ve already been driving ‘Bucky’ (coach Matthew Buck) mad trying to decide what off-field role I’ll play this season.
“In the meantime, I’ll be down at the club and involved in as many sessions as I can and helping our group prepare for the season ahead.”
In her absence, Abbie McKay has stepped up from vice-captain to lead the team this year.
“I am so honoured and so excited to be named as captain,” McKay said in May. “It is hard to believe that just a few years ago I wasn’t getting picked in the side, so if my appointment is anything to go by it is to dream big.
“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.
“I am grateful that leaders who have come before me such as Kerryn Peterson, Darcy Vescio and Breann Harrington have set a standard that has empowered our group to take this program to another level in the coming years.”
Images: Instagram
