“Favourite round of the year”: Hill, Guerin ready for AFLW Carlton Respects Game
The AFLW season is filled with pivotal moments, but there is one game that stands out for the Carlton Blues players and fans alike: the Carlton Respects Game. This annual fixture, centered around raising awareness for the prevention of violence against women, holds a special place in the hearts of players, especially star midfielders, Mimi Hill and Elise O’Dea, and young rising forward, Paige Guerin.
As the 2024 AFLW season heats up, Hill and Guerin have expressed their deep connection to this game, calling it their “favourite round of the year.” For them, it’s not just another football match—it’s an opportunity to advocate for an important cause, inspire change, and demonstrate that AFLW goes beyond the boundary lines of the field.
Since its inception in 2016, the Carlton Respects Game has been an essential part of the Carlton Football Club’s commitment to promoting gender equality and combating domestic violence. Through the game, the club partners with local community organizations to drive awareness and generate discussions around these critical social issues.
This commitment is not just a superficial gesture but is deeply integrated into the club’s culture. The iconic orange socks that the players wear during the Respects Game have become a powerful symbol of the club’s dedication to fostering a safer community, one free from violence and discrimination.
For many players, this game provides an opportunity to use their platform as athletes to support a cause close to their hearts. Mimi Hill, one of the most passionate advocates within the team, has often spoken about the game’s personal significance. “It’s the game where we feel like we’re playing for something bigger than ourselves,” Hill said in a recent interview. “To have the opportunity to raise awareness for such an important cause is a privilege and a responsibility that we all take seriously.”
Hill has emerged as one of the AFLW’s standout stars, known for her incredible skill, relentless work ethic, and leadership qualities. But beyond her on-field prowess, Hill has become a prominent voice for social change within the AFLW community. Her role in the Carlton Respects initiative goes beyond the annual game; she is actively involved in spreading awareness year-round, working with various organizations to advocate for gender equality and domestic violence prevention.
For Hill, the Respects Game is about leading by example. “We need to show that violence against women is unacceptable, and we need to be part of the solution,” she said. “As athletes, we have a platform, and it’s our duty to use it for good. The Carlton Respects Game is a reminder that we can all make a difference in our communities.”
Her commitment to the cause has inspired her teammates, including Paige Guerin, who echoes Hill’s sentiments. “Mimi is a true leader, both on and off the field. Her dedication to the Carlton Respects initiative motivates all of us to do more and be more.”
Paige Guerin may be a young player, but her impact on and off the field has already been felt by her teammates and supporters alike. The Carlton forward has quickly made a name for herself with her impressive skills and goal-scoring ability, but it’s her passion for advocacy that makes her stand out. Guerin, like Hill, sees the Carlton Respects Game as more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
“For me, this game is a chance to honor the strong women in my life and to stand up for those who are vulnerable,” Guerin said. “Playing in the Carlton Respects Game is something I look forward to every year because it’s a reminder that sport can be a powerful vehicle for change. We’re not just playing to win—we’re playing to inspire others to take action.”
As a young role model, Guerin understands the importance of using her platform wisely. “We need to speak up about these issues, even if it’s uncomfortable. Change doesn’t happen in silence, and if we can use our voices to make a difference, then that’s what we’ll do,” she added.
Guerin’s growing role in the Carlton squad and her enthusiasm for causes like Carlton Respects exemplify the new generation of AFLW players who are dedicated to both their sport and their social responsibilities.
Heading into the 2024 AFLW season, the Carlton Blues have plenty of reasons to be excited. With seasoned stars like Hill and rising talents like Guerin, the team is looking stronger than ever. But for these players, the Carlton Respects Game is about more than just winning—it’s about making a difference and continuing the important work of advocating for gender equality and safety for all women.
In preparation for this year’s Carlton Respects Game, the club has ramped up its community engagement efforts. Events, workshops, and partnerships with local advocacy groups have been planned to ensure that the message of the game resonates far beyond the stadium.
Players, coaches, and staff have all been involved in spreading the word, with Hill and Guerin taking the lead in many of these activities. “We’re proud of what this game stands for, but we know there’s still so much work to be done,” Hill said. “We want to make sure that every fan, every player, and every member of our community knows how important this cause is.”
The upcoming Carlton Respects Game will not only showcase the talents of AFLW players but will also serve as a beacon for change, shining a light on the issues that matter most. With Hill, Guerin, and their teammates leading the charge, the game promises to be an inspiring event, highlighting the power of sport to influence positive social outcomes.
As the 2024 AFLW season progresses, the Carlton Respects Game will remain a focal point for players and fans alike. For Hill, Guerin, and their teammates, it’s a chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of women and families affected by violence. Their dedication to the cause, both on and off the field, is a testament to the power of athletes to inspire change and create a lasting impact.
“This is why we play,” Guerin said. “Yes, we play to win games and make our supporters proud, but we also play to give back to the community. The Carlton Respects Game is our way of doing that.”
For Carlton, the Respects Game has become more than just a fixture on the AFLW calendar—it’s a movement, a mission, and a reminder of the power of sport to change the world.
