The Essendon District Football League women’s premier division continues to get stronger with Maribyrnong Park signing former Carlton AFLW captain Kerryn Harrington.
In one of the biggest signings in the competition’s history, Peterson will add to the Lions backline.
Peterson captained the Blues for six seasons and was named in the All-Australian team on three occasions.
Peterson missed the 2025 AFLW season after giving birth to her son. The Blues decided not to re-sign her with Maribyrnong Park saying she had retired from AFLW.
In addition to pulling on the Marby guernsey, Peterson will also join the coaching panel, where she will support co-coaches Gab Mahoney and Cain Liddle, as well as specialist coaches Alex Saundry and Jacqui Vogt.
“Kerryn is both a pioneer and an all-time great of the AFLW program” Maribyrnong Park vice-president women’s football Theresa Munro said.
“With such a concentrated number of 17-21 year old elite female players in our program, we could not have wished to bring a better role model to the club. The ability for Kez to provide both on-field and off-field leadership and support to these players, ensures we are providing them with the very best development pathway for their football.”
It’s been a big off season for the Lions.
After finishing bottom in premier division in 2025, the Lions avoided relegation as the top grade expanded to 10 teams.
The club has been busy recruiting to add to its young core, with all 10 of its Talent League players from last season returning.
Matilda Jeffries, who is training with Geelong’s Victorian Football League side, Jessie Kazazes and former leading goal kicker Tegan Matthews among the signings.
