FORMER AFLW best and fairest Maddy Prespakis has opened up about her intentions to leave Carlton for Essendon, saying the lure of her childhood club was too strong.
Prespakis was at the MCG to help launch the new season of Auskick, describing running around in a Bombers jumper at Gisborne.
"It's very exciting, it's still all in the works, but I've openly committed to making the move to Essendon. It's been an exciting week, and it's the team I've barracked for all my life, so to be able to help build the new AFLW team is really exciting," Prespakis said.
"To be part of the inaugural team is really special. I've loved my time at Carlton, and I'll forever be grateful. I've achieved some great things there and been part of a special group of girls.
"My (footy pathway) was no different to the boys at the time, I started Auskick when I was four years old. I went down for pie night and get a free pie after training, and I was just a little girl who wanted to play footy.
"I never looked back and here I am today playing AFLW – I haven't stopped playing footy since that moment."
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Former teammate Grace Egan was also on hand at the Auskick launch, and confirmed she has received interest from other clubs.
Last week, womens.afl reported Egan is expected to leave Carlton, with a number of interstate clubs – including expansion side Sydney – in the running for the hard-nosed midfielder.
"I'm happy at Carlton, Carlton has been really good to me. I am out of contract this season, but that's just for my manager, myself and the Carlton football club to work out. Wherever I end up playing my footy, I'm happy," Egan said.
"Yeah definitely (we've) had clubs approach my manager, but I'm open to anything. Carlton has been very good to me, and I love everyone there, so whatever happens, happens."
Prespakis has been an integral part of Carlton since joining the Blues with pick No.3 in the 2018 NAB AFLW Draft, winning the 2020 AFLW best and fairest and three consecutive club counts.
"At the end of the day, it comes down to yourself, and I had to put myself first. It was a tough decision, and it was quite daunting, and those who are really close to me knew exactly how I felt, especially when I did announce the move," the 21-year-old said.
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"It was quite an emotional time, but also I felt very relieved and happy with what I've made for myself. Carlton have helped me in my four years in the AFLW, and three B&Fs, I wouldn't have done it without that club. I'm very grateful, but I'm also very grateful to start a new chapter of the next five to 10 years of my football career.
"Once I went to the club, they said I couldn't barrack for Essendon because it is a rival club. I'm sure when that time comes, like with any player who moves, you do expect a few boos, I've already received that on social media, so I expect that in person. But at the end of the day, it's football, and I love football and that's why I play."
