5 days ago
Irish stars suffer contrasting emotions as Carlton win AFLW season opener over Collingwood
Carlton have laid down a marker in the AFLW season opener after putting last year's wooden spooners Collingwood to the sword 6.9 (45) to 3.3 (21) at Princes Park.
A rematch of the league's inaugural clash, it also played out much the same way as it did in 2017 with the Blues kicking away and holding strong.
Mimi Hill was heavily involved with 32 disposals — 11 more than Pies leader Brittany Bonnici — and six clearances while Carlton's returning Irish star Erone Fitzpatrick kicked a brilliant running goal for her second of the night.
'These Gaelic players that come into the game are so talented,' Abbey Holmes said on Channel 7.
Nick Riewoldt added: 'She's been the best player on the ground.'
Fitzpatrick debuted in 2023 before missing the 2024 season with an ACL injury.
In a sour blow for Collingwood, their Irish recruit Kellyann Hogan suffered a shoulder injury and failed to finish the match.
The 23-year-old, player of the match in a Gaelic final, only picked up footy in the off-season and was in her first official game after her pre-season appearances.
Hogan's family surprised her by flying over from Ireland to attend Thursday night's game.
The Pies' No.1 draft pick Ash Centra was brought along slowly in her highly anticipated debut but kicked a goal with her first kick.
