Carlton’s Darcy Vescio has made history by becoming the first player in the AFLW competition to kick 50 goals.
Key points:
- Erin Philips (46) and Tayla Harris (44) were the other players in contention for the milestone
- Vescio kicked four goals in the first-ever game of AFLW against Collingwood in 2017
- They are a fan favourite and recently came out as non-binary
At Manuka Oval on Sunday, the forward booted two goals in their side’s 18-point win over the GWS Giants.
The landmark goal came after a 50m penalty was paid against Pepa Randall, who rode Vescio into the ground after they had completed a mark on the lead.
Erin Phillips (46 goals) and Tayla Harris (44) were the two other players in contention for the milestone, with Vescio reaching 50 goals from 47 AFLW games.
Vescio was the AFLW’s leading goal kicker in 2021 and 2017, while they were nominated in the All Australian team in the same two years.
Loading
The Carlton marquee player has long been a competition favourite, famous for kicking four goals in the first-ever AFLW game against Collingwood at Princes Park in 2017.
The forward also gained notoriety among fans for their social media post on the same night, which read “wen you laugh togetha cos you know ur gonna smash the patriarchy”.
In the five seasons since, Vescio has attracted a cult following for their sense of humour and creative graphic-design skills.
They are also one of the few Australian rules footballers with Chinese heritage, with their family roots in Hong Kong and Italy — something explored in the Carlton football club documentary Bloodlines, produced in 2018.
Most recently, Vescio became the second AFLW player to reveal that they identified as non-binary, and were most comfortable with they/them pronouns.
Vescio made the announcement via social media and was featured in an uncharacteristically candid and emotional video on the AFLW website, before receiving an outpouring of support from the AFLW community.
Loading
Post-match, Carlton coach Daniel Harford reflected on Vescio’s status as a great of the game.
“I think Darce understands [their] place in the scheme of things,” he said.
“They’re a magnificent part of what the AFLW is … [and] being the first player to have 50 [goals] is an accolade I think they’re worthy of.
Harford added that he had been blown away by Vescio’s performance in the inaugural AFLW game.
“I was sitting on the couch watching, going, ‘Bloody hell, who’s this?’
“Now I get to coach them and it’s a joy to have them as part of our team and my world.
“It was great to see the players celebrate, particularly after the game with [them] the way they did. It was a very special moment.”
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
