CARLTON youngster Sophie McKay has opened up about the challenges of dealing with injury after a breakout campaign with the Blues last year. 

McKay has been restricted to just three games through the first half of the season, sidelined with a minor ankle injury that has stopped her from hitting her straps in 2026.

The exciting forward revealed it was the mental side of her injury that really challenged her, as she was forced to watch from the sidelines for several weeks. 

"Not the start to the season that I would've liked. I've never really dealt with injuries, so coming off the really big high of last season, it has been really hard," she told AFL.com.au's Tagged.

"I'm just so happy to be back out there. The inconsistency hasn't been great and at times I've had to be reminded that these injuries aren't my fault. It's probably been more of a mental battle than a physical battle, but I'm just so happy to be back out there."

McKay admitted that she wishes she had been more open about the mental challenges she faced while on the sidelines. 

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"I'm only starting to reflect now. One thing I do regret is saying that I was OK all the time … it really sucked. It was something that I hadn't really dealt with or processed. I thought the ankle was nothing and then to be out for two weeks was a shock as well," she said.

"To be in round six and only played three games was tough. It kind of felt like footy was being taken away from me and when it's something that is your stream to happiness and your outlet, it really sucks.

"It kind of felt like footy was moving on without me. I'm so lucky with my teammates that I have that cheering on was almost just as fun."

McKay made sure she continued to be a great teammate by cheering on the Blues from the sidelines and said that her time off had actually given her a newfound appreciation of being able to live out her childhood dreams on the footy field.

"We have such a good group of people every week that aren't playing that continue to show up. The fact I only had to do it for three weeks was lucky and it just makes me appreciate being out there so much more," she said.

Away from footy, McKay studies architecture at university and praised her family and friends as a great support system. 

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"I think you kind of isolate yourself and steer yourself away from those things when you're not feeling good. Reflecting back, I think I would change a lot about the way I went about rehab in terms of the mental side, obviously physically I did everything I could, but I was kind of exposed to the dark side of footy," she said.

"I do have so much more respect for people going through long-term injuries and how isolating and lonely that could be, but ultimately, it just made me appreciate footy so much more.

"Even training, I remember my first training back, I had the time of my life, it's exhilarating."

McKay and the Blues are currently sixth on the AFLW ladder with a win-loss record of 4-2 and will look to continue their charge towards the top four when they host Richmond on Friday afternoon at Ikon Park.