Growing up playing footy in the backyard with her family, Maddi Gay’s love for the game started early, but it wasn’t until 2017 that she pursued football seriously after friends encouraged her to join the St Kilda Sharks in the VFLW. Making an immediate impact, Maddi quickly caught the attention of AFLW recruiters and was signed by Carlton as a rookie ahead of the 2018 season.
In an impressive debut year, Maddi played every game for the Blues, primarily through the midfield, where her confidence and natural ball-winning ability grew week by week. Her performances were rewarded with Carlton’s Best First Year Player award. Following a challenging season for the club, Maddi made the move to Melbourne, where she transitioned seamlessly and established herself as a dynamic midfielder known for her trademark burst from stoppage.
Over her time with the Demons, Maddi continued to develop into one of the competition’s most promising midfielders. While injuries interrupted her 2019 and 2020 campaigns, she enjoyed a clean run in 2021 and became a core part of Melbourne’s midfield group across the dual seasons of 2022, before backing it up with consistent performances in 2023.
After being part of Melbourne’s historic premiership in Season 7, Maddi was traded to Essendon ahead of the 2024 season, where she enjoyed a career-best year, winning the club’s Best & Fairest and earning All-Australian selection. She continued her leadership role into 2025 as vice-captain, before suffering a left knee ACL strain during a pre-season practice match against North Melbourne in early August 2025, sidelining her for the start of the season as she began her rehabilitation.
A versatile and resilient competitor, Maddi Gay continues to be a respected leader and elite performer across the AFLW.
Maddi is a former elite Netballer where she played for Melbourne University Lightning, Melbourne, and Ballarat Pride. She has also just launched her own business in PR and Social Media services.
Playing Honours:
Carlton Best First Year Player 2018
Essendons Best & Fairest 2024
All-Australian selection 2024