Maddy Prespakis

Maddy Prespakis is an Australian rules footballer currently playing for the Essendon Football Club in the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition. Known for her explosive midfield work, elite ball skills and on-field leadership, Maddy has been a standout figure in the league since making her debut in 2019.

Raised in Victoria and proudly of Indigenous heritage (Djadjawurrung and Yorta Yorta), Maddy began her professional AFLW career with Carlton, where she quickly earned recognition, winning the 2019 AFLW Rising Star Award and the league's Best and Fairest in 2020. She joined Essendon for their inaugural AFLW season in 2022 and has been a key part of the club's emerging success.

Off the field, Maddy is admired for her authenticity, advocacy for Indigenous voices, and commitment to inclusivity in sport. In 2023, her world changed with the birth of her baby daughter, adding a powerful new dimension to her identity as both an athlete and role model. Balancing footy and family, Maddy has openly spoken about the joy and grounding this has brought to her life and performance .

With multiple All-Australian selections and a strong voice in the women’s game, Maddy Prespakis continues to inspire a generation of young players through her talent, resilience and leadership.