St Kilda’s first selection in the 2025 AFLW National Draft, Jade McLay has made her mark on the competition, named the Round 5 Telstra AFLW Rising Star nominee.
The No. 4 was a shining light for the red, white and black at Windy Hill on Sunday, booting four goals from eight disposals in just her third game at AFLW level to keep the Saints in the fight against Richmond.
The former Calder Cannons captain and Diamond Creek product landed at Moorabbin with pick No.26 in last year’s draft, following an impressive Talent League campaign which included All-Australian honours.
Her versatility to impact across all three lines were among the traits that caught the Saints’ eye, with the 18-year-old already showing glimpses of that potential since making her debut against Sydney in Round 3.
McLay’s athleticism and ability to find dangerous positions have been on display across her first three games, culminating in Sunday’s breakout performance in front of goal.
“It’s great recognition for Jade and we’re so glad she’s been able to show the rest of the competition what we’ve been seeing over the pre-season,” General Manager of AFLW Jessie Mulholland said.
“She’s had to overcome some setbacks with injury earlier in the year, but we’ve been really impressed by the way she’s put her head down, got to work and made sure she was ready when her opportunity came.
“To be only three games into her career and already having an impact like that is really exciting and a great sign for the future of our program.”
McLay is one of five Saints to make their AFLW debut this season, alongside Irish recruit Saoirse Lally and fellow draftees Abby Hobson, Maya Louvel-Finn and Carys D’Addario.
