Karlson was drafted by the Western Bulldogs with the 34th pick overall in the 2018 AFLW draft.[1] Karlson made her AFLW debut in round 4 of the 2019 season.[2] She signed to St Kilda in the expansion signing period in April 2019.[3] In March 2021, Karlson retired after several injuries prevented her from making a senior appearance for St Kilda.[4]
In April 2023, Karlson returned to the AFLW and was drafted by Collingwood.[5]