THE CARLTON Football Club can confirm Erone Fitzpatrick has been placed on the inactive list for the 2024 AFLW season.
Fitzpatrick has been undergoing rehabilitation in the first half of this year after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament in the final round of the 2023 AFLW season.
The decision was made this week to allow her to complete her recovery fully for the remainder of the year and return to the side fully fit in 2025.
Originally from County Laois, Fitzpatrick debuted in the side's Round 1 win against Gold Coast, quickly becoming a reliable midfielder/forward for the Blues.
The 23-year-old is often praised for her dedication and thirst for knowledge, combining this with her natural ability that saw her finish equal third in the Club’s goalkicking last year.
Her quality season was awarded with the Rookie of The Year award at Carlton’s AFLW Best and Fairest night.
Fitzpatrick will remain in the Navy Blue until at least the end of 2026 after signing a contract extension off the back of her debut season.
Head of AFLW Ash Naulty said the Club has taken a long-term focus with Fitzpatrick.
"Erone worked really hard to try and get back this year, but ultimately the decision has been made to place her on the inactive list, with her long-term career in mind,” Naulty said.
“For Erone to come over from Ireland and debut in Round 1 is a tremendous effort and a real testament to her hard work and professionalism.
“Everyone at the Club has been rallying around Erone and offering her the support she needs as she continues with her rehabilitation.
“The way she continues to carry herself through her recovery gives me no doubt that the best of Erone is still to come.
The Club will look to fill the available list spot ahead of the start of the 2024 season in late August.
