Keeley Skepper (born 19 March 2004) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Carlton Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW). A midfielder noted for her contested ball-winning ability, composure under pressure, and precise kicking, she was drafted from the Murray Bushrangers in the NAB League Girls competition with pick No. 17 in the 2022 AFL Women's draft.
Skepper grew up in the Ovens and Murray region of New South Wales, playing junior football in a mixed-gender competition before joining the Murray Bushrangers in the NAB League Girls. Her strong performances at under-16 and under-18 levels quickly established her as one of the top midfield prospects in the country.[1]
Her junior accolades included multiple best-on-ground performances, leadership roles at Murray Bushrangers, and a reputation for stepping up in finals matches. By the time of the 2022 draft, she was regarded as one of the most complete midfielders in her age group.
In Round 9 against St Kilda, Skepper recorded 19 disposals, four tackles, and a goal, earning a Rising Star nomination.[4] She averaged 13.2 disposals, 3.6 tackles, and 2.1 clearances per game in her debut season.
2023: Midfield growth
In 2023, Skepper played all 10 matches for Carlton, moving into a more prominent midfield role. She averaged over 15 disposals per game, increased her clearance numbers, and became a regular part of Carlton’s centre-bounce rotations. Her tackling pressure and ability to hit targets inside 50 were noted as key improvements from her debut year.
2024: Emerging leader
Skepper entered the 2024 AFLW season as an established part of Carlton’s midfield core alongside star players such as Madison Prespakis and Mimi Hill. She was regularly assigned to high-pressure match-ups against opposition midfielders and improved her contested possession rate. Midway through the season, she recorded a career-high 27 disposals in a win over Fremantle.
Representative honours
In addition to her 2022 All-Australian selection at the under-18 level, Skepper has represented Victoria Country in multiple national championships and was part of AFLW Academy training programs prior to being drafted.[2] She also played in representative games for the NAB League, showcasing her skills against the best players from other regions.
Playing style
Skepper is a balanced midfielder who combines inside ball-winning with effective outside distribution. She is recognised for her:
**Composure under pressure** – consistently making effective decisions in contested situations.
**Clean hands** – quick, accurate handballs to teammates in congestion.
**Kicking accuracy** – delivering to forwards with precision on both sides of the body.
**Work rate** – covering the ground to contribute both offensively and defensively.
Her ability to switch between inside and outside roles makes her valuable in multiple game plans.[1][2]
Personal life
Off the field, Skepper is involved in community football programs in regional Victoria and New South Wales, encouraging participation among young female footballers.[3] She has also been an advocate for youth engagement in sport and has participated in clinics promoting women’s football pathways.
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