“We want to grow on the joy we brought last year” Erone Fitzpatrick on 2026 goals, Leadership, and All Ireland selection
The AFLW season hasn't officially started, but Carlton forward Erone Fitzpatrick is already having a 2026 to remember.
In a matter of weeks, Fitzpatrick has been welcomed into the 2026 leadership group, and selected to represent Ireland in the inaugural Australia v Ireland match in August.
The electric forward provided nothing but excitement for Carlton fans last season, kicking 13 goals and earning third place in the Club's Best and Fairest, just a year after missing the 2024 season to an ACL injury.
Add an All-Australian blazer in there too, Fitzpatrick's resume is stacked after earning herself a call up in the Carlton leadership group for 2026, joining Tara Bohanna, Harriet Cordner, vice-captain Mimi Hill, and captain Abbie McKay.
“I’m really proud to be able to say that I’m part of the leadership group and to be a leader in such a great environment and culture that we’ve created here,” she told Carlton Media.
“Within the group there’s no hierarchy, which is really, really good.
“You can always find Abbie McKay boosting everyone up, same with Mim. Mim is unbelievable for the group, she makes sure everyone stays connected. Both of them are great people on and off the field."
If that wasn't exciting enough, the number 19 will be joining fellow teammate Dayna Finn in the Irish team ahead of NAB AFLW's Australia v Ireland match.
Originating from county Laois, Fitzpatrick helped the county win its first title in over 20 years in 2022, before joining Carlton - the call up a special nod to where her journey started.
“It’s so special. We’ve talked a lot amongst all the Irish players that we just want it to happen now. There was so much talk in the off-season and even pre-pre season and we’re just ready for it to happen now.
“I’m really proud of myself that I’ve been able to get myself to a stage that I am selected, and to play alongside Dayna, it’s unbelievable.
“We’ve got to share a lot of special memories over the past couple of years together, and this is another one to add.”
But Fitzpatrick remains focused on Season 11, excited for what the fresh-faced Blues can bring to the culture that's been building for years.
After falling short in the preliminary final last season, the Blues continue to get to work on the fun and infectious brand of football they brought to so many fans last year.
"[The energy] is pretty similar to last season, if not better."
"I think we want to keep growing on the joy we brought last year. I think you can see that flourish through the group already.
"We have those young players driving that which is really cool, but I think the new players have come and slotted in nicely as well."
