‘We couldn’t get over that’: The AFLW norm baffling this Irish import

Erone Fitzpatrick, a key player for Carlton in the Australian Football League Women's (AFLW) competition and a member of the Irish representative team, finds herself bewildered by a fundamental aspect of Australian rules football: the fluidity of club allegiance. Hailing from County Laois in Ireland, Fitzpatrick led her county to its first Gaelic football title in more than two decades in 2022 before moving to Carlton for the 2023 season. In her native country, she played alongside the same teammates from age four until 23, a practice that is considered unheard of in Ireland. This deep-rooted sense of loyalty contrasts sharply with the norms in the AFLW, where players frequently switch clubs during the annual trade period. Fitzpatrick expressed surprise at how Australians perceive her unwavering commitment to a single club and county throughout her career. “Talking to a lot of the Aussies here, they can't get over how loyal you are to your club and your county throughout your whole career,” she said. “I would play with the one club for my whole football career, and I would play with the one county for my whole football career, and they couldn't get over that.” This cultural difference has left her and many other Irish players perplexed by the concept of trading between clubs. Despite these differences, Fitzpatrick is determined to remain with Carlton for the foreseeable future. “I would love that,” she said. “You never know what can happen in the future, but I think it would be very weird for me to go anywhere else. I think if you asked a lot of the Irish players, they would say the exact same thing.” Since the AFLW's inception in 2017, the number of Gaelic footballers transitioning to Australian rules football has grown significantly. Currently, 44 active Irish players compete in the league, with two others inactive. Their influence has been substantial, particularly in shaping the fast-paced and attacking style of play. Teams such as North Melbourne, who have secured back-to-back AFLW premierships, boast five Irish players on their roster, while other clubs like the Brisbane Lions, Adelaide, Geelong, and Carlton have also integrated a strong contingent of Irish talent. The ripple effects extend beyond the AFLW. In Ireland, the sport's popularity has surged, with local broadcasters airing AFLW matches, dedicated late-night viewing sessions, and expanding online communities. However, this influx of talent to Australia has created challenges for Gaelic football, particularly in smaller counties. Fitzpatrick noted that her departure from County Laois, a relatively small region, has left a noticeable gap. “For my county to lose someone like me is hard... because in a small county, talent is very limited compared to the bigger counties that have a huge pool of talent,” she explained. Counties like Mayo, which have produced six players in the AFLW, exemplify the extent of this phenomenon. Such a concentration of talent from a single region underscores the broader impact of Australian rules football on Gaelic football pathways in Ireland. The presence of numerous Irish players in the AFLW has even enabled the formation of a representative team akin to the State of Origin series. Fitzpatrick recently participated in a high-profile match in Sydney, drawing a sellout crowd. Reflecting on the occasion, she emphasized the significance of the event for both her personal journey and the aspirations of younger athletes. “My parents are flying out for the game, which is so important to me, and I'll also have my aunties, family friends, my grannies' next-door neighbor,” she humorously remarked. “I want to make them proud, and I want to make all the young girls proud and know they can chase their dreams and be anything they want in life.” With the new AFLW season set to commence on Sunday at Marvel Stadium, the spotlight turns to Fitzpatrick and her teammates as they prepare to face the Saints. Last season, Carlton reached the preliminary final, narrowly falling short against the Brisbane Lions. This marked a dramatic transformation for the club, which had previously struggled, finishing 14th in 2024 before implementing a strategy focused on nurturing young, dynamic talent in 2025. Fitzpatrick played a crucial role in this revival, contributing an average of 17.5 disposals and scoring 13 goals. Fans and supporters alike have taken notice of the renewed energy and distinct identity that the Blues have developed on and off the field.