Kate Mccarthy: AFLW star and media voice
Kate McCarthy is a well-known name in Australian sports. People look up to her because of what she’s done in the AFL Women’s (AFLW) competition and how she is in sports media. Kate McCarthy is known as a strong leader who cares deeply about women’s sports in Australia. She started off as a talented multi-sport athlete in Brisbane and went on to become an AFLW All-Australian and a well-known host.
Early life and sporting background
Kate McCarthy was born in Brisbane, Queensland, on October 24, 1992. She was exceptionally proficient in sports from a young age. She excelled at various sports, including touch football, athletics and cricket. As a child, she represented Queensland in touch football. She was an ideal candidate for elite-level athletics due to her speed, agility and competitiveness.
Kate’s health journey is a major part of her story. She received a pacemaker when she was only 12 years old due to a rare cardiac condition. This setback did not prevent her from achieving her goals; rather, it strengthened her determination. Her eventual promotion to professional AFLW football made her one of the first top Australian rules football players to compete with a pacemaker. Her story inspired many Australians who were dealing with medical challenges.
AFLW career highlights
The Brisbane Lions selected Kate McCarthy with the 82nd pick in the 2016 AFL Women’s Draft, kicking off her AFLW career. She made her AFLW debut in Round 1 of the 2017 season, quickly establishing herself as a powerful and dynamic player.
Brisbane Lions success
McCarthy was one of the league’s most entertaining midfielders and forwards when playing for the Brisbane Lions between 2017 and 2019. Her first season was so amazing that she received the following accolades:
- In 2017, she was chosen to the AFLW All-Australian Team
- Brisbane Lions’ leading goal scorer in 2017
Her speed, ability to tackle under duress and goal-scoring instincts propelled her to prominence in the AFLW’s early years.
St Kilda and Hawthorn chapters
McCarthy joins St Kilda in 2019, ahead of the team’s inaugural AFLW season in 2020. She was an important member of the young club for three seasons, providing crucial experience and leadership.
She was traded to Hawthorn in 2022 so that the franchise could enter the AFLW. Even though she wasn’t there long, she used her skills to help establish the new team before leaving later that year. McCarthy played 42 games and scored 18 goals in her AFLW career. She made an indelible impression on every squad she played for.
Life beyond football
Kate McCarthy worked in education and also played football. She taught math and physical education at Clairvaux MacKillop College in Brisbane, demonstrating her commitment to coaching and motivating young Australians on and off the field.
McCarthy had a successful career in sports media after leaving the AFLW. She joined Seven Network’s coverage of the AFL and her knowledge, enthusiasm and genuine personality rapidly earned her fans. Her work on television and online has introduced new perspectives to AFL coverage, particularly in supporting women’s sports and the AFLW.
In 2026, she co-hosted the football podcast AL, Kate and All Their Mates on the iHeartRadio network, increasing her media exposure. The show featured entertaining and instructive discussions about the game and its culture.
Personal life and advocacy
People love Kate McCarthy not only for her athletic feats, but also for her open and outspoken personality. She has been a strong supporter for women’s sports, health awareness and inclusivity. Her story as a top athlete with a pacemaker continues to motivate athletes and fans across Australia.
McCarthy married Kate Lee in March 2025, in front of friends, relatives and members of the AFLW community. Fans were ecstatic with McCarthy’s marriage, which demonstrated her positive and visible presence in Australia’s LGBTQ+ sports community.
Legacy and impact on Australian sport
Kate McCarthy’s influence goes much beyond her sports accomplishments. She is a great example of how women’s sports in Australia have changed. Now, athletes may be teachers, media figures, and role models as well as competitors. Her work has made the AFLW more popular and inspired the next generation of women football players.
Key achievements at a glance:
- AFLW All-Australian: 2017
- Brisbane Lions leading goalkicker: 2017
- AFLW player for Brisbane Lions, St Kilda and Hawthorn
- Respected AFL broadcaster with the Seven Network
- Advocate for women’s sport, inclusion and health awareness
Conclusion
Kate McCarthy’s ascent from a committed young athlete in Brisbane to an AFLW star and influential media presence is a classic Australian success story. She is a top figure in modern Australian sport because she overcame health issues, excelled on the field, and made a significant impact in the media. As the AFLW expands, Kate McCarthy remains a strong advocate for the game and the people who enjoy it.
