IRISH Gaelic footballer Joanne Doonan will join the Carlton Football Club as its second AFLW rookie for the 2020 season.

Doonan is the first ever Irish-born AFLW signing for the Blues and joins the Club from the Fermanagh Gaelic Athletic Association Ladies team, where she is currently the captain.

The 25-year-old has enjoyed a decorated Gaelic football career, which has featured two Gaelic Life Club All Star nominations, an All-Ireland Junior Championship, an O’Connor Cup Shield winner where Doonan was awarded player of the match. She has also been a Queen’s University Club Woman of the Year.

Doonan’s athleticism made her a clear standout at the CrossCoders camp in May with her speed, agility and endurance setting her apart.

Doonan will make the move from Ireland to Melbourne in time for the start of pre-season training.

Carlton General Manager of Women’s Football Ash Brown said Doonan has plenty of upside with her athleticism and leadership skills.

“Joanne is a terrific character and she has proven that she is committed and ready to take on the challenge of AFLW,” Brown said. 

“Combining her leadership with her elite athleticism, we are really excited about what Joanne will bring to our playing group.

“We are thrilled to welcome Joanne to the Club and we look forward to helping her develop here at Ikon Park.” 

Doonan said she is really looking forward to embracing a new game when she arrives ahead of AFLW 4.0.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of AFLW,” Doonan said. 

“Since the CrossCoders camp in May, I haven’t been able to get a football out of my hands. 

“November can’t come quick enough so I can get stuck into training with the girls and learn as much as I can from Harf and the coaches.”