Carlton AFLW captain Kerryn Peterson celebrates ‘dream' birth of first child days before new season
The 33-year-old shared the news of her pregnancy in February, confirming she would be sidelined from the 2025 AFLW season beginning with Thursday night's blockbuster opener against Collingwood.
And with fortuitous timing the baby boy arrived just in time to cheer on his mum's Blues alongside her.
'Max Edward Peterson,' the couple announced on Tuesday night.
'What an absolute dream.'
Carlton celebrated the news while teammates rushed to congratulate — and book in their first meeting.
'As if Thursday night's season opener wasn't exciting enough,' the club wrote.
'Sending all the love in the world to Kez and husband Joel on the arrival of Max.'
Blues vice-captain Mimi Hill said: 'He's so cute my guyyy.'
Keeley Skepper wrote: 'Can't wait to babysit! Congrats ily.'
Darcy Verscio wrote: 'Beautiful fam. Welcome to the world Max.'
Former teammate Mua Laloifi wrote: 'How beautiful. Congratulations to you both!'
Aussie basketballer Alice Kunek said: 'Congratulations! He is beautiful.'
Peterson, captain since 2020, stayed involved during the pre-season working alongside coach Matthew Buck.
'Joel and I have a really exciting journey ahead of us and can't wait to welcome our own little Bluebagger into the world,' Peterson said at the time of her pregnancy announcement.
'This footy club and its people have always been the most incredible support to us, and we're excited for our baby to become part of it.
'It will be a different looking year for me, I've already been driving 'Bucky' (coach Matthew Buck) mad trying to decide what off-field role I'll play this season.
'In the meantime, I'll be down at the club and involved in as many sessions as I can and helping our group prepare for the season ahead.'
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Abbie McKay has stepped up from vice-captain to lead the team in Peterson's absence this year.
'I am so honoured and so excited to be named as captain,' the daughter of club great Andrew said in May.
'It is hard to believe that just a few years ago I wasn't getting picked in the side, so if my appointment is anything to go by it is to dream big.
'I have so many incredible people around me and I know leadership is not a role for one person: our team has a one-in-all-in mentality.
'I am grateful that leaders who have come before me such as Kerryn Peterson, Darcy Vescio and Breann Harrington have set a standard that has empowered our group to take this program to another level in the coming years.'
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