THE DIFFERENCE three years makes.

It was in March of 2023 when Carlton officially announced that Dayna Finn and Erone Fitzpatrick had been signed by the Blues, just six days after Harriet Cordner had been traded in from Richmond.

In December of 2025, that very trio made up the Blues’ AFLW Best and Fairest podium, with Finn flanked by runner-up Cordner and third-place Fitzpatrick as the Blues’ eighth ever individual winner of the award.

After a year where she was also named All Australian, it capped off an incredible personal year for Finn and collective year for Carlton, who returned to finals football for the first time in six seasons.

Finn was announced as the Blues’ Best Finals Player as well during the awards night on Thursday, with the star Blue making no secret of her gratitude to the wider football club.

“I can’t thank everyone at Carlton and beyond enough,” Finn said.

“It’s my home away from home. They took a chance on me: I definitely wasn’t good at footy by any means back then, but it’s nice to be a better football and better person after three years here in Australia.

“I’m excited for many more. I love the football we play here and I’m so thankful to be in the position I’m in.”

Finn conceded that rewinding back to before the season began, standing atop the podium as Carlton’s newest AFLW Best and Fairest didn’t seem like a possibility.

But it was very clear from the early stages of the campaign that Finn was going to be a big driver of the Blues’ improvement, and she had quite the support network right throughout.

“To be honest, no [it didn’t seem possible].

“My family are No.1: being so far from home, they’re always there to pick up the phone no matter what. I’m so grateful to have two amazing parents and a sister and a brother who support me no matter what. All of my friends are such a great support.

“My teammates, Carlton in general, the coaching staff - everyone has been so welcoming and warm. They’ve allowed me to flourish on and off the field.”

And in Finn’s mind, there probably couldn’t have been a more appropriate duo to share the podium with, alongside fellow recruit Fitzpatrick and fellow All-Australian Cordner.

“It means the world.

“Ronnie and ‘H’ are phenomenal athletes and phenomenal people. I’ve had the best time alongside them on and off the field.

“I’m so proud of them and grateful to call them amazing friends and teammates: I certainly wouldn’t be here without them.”