GAMES
2020: 2
Career: 2

BY THE NUMBERS (averages in brackets)
Disposals: 8 (4) Tackles: 7 (3.5)

OVERVIEW
Coming all the way from Ireland to pull on the Navy Blue, Joanne Doonan made history when she became the first ever Irish-born AFLW signing for the Blues.

Doonan transitioned from a well-decorated career playing for Fermanagh in the Gaelic Athletic Association Ladies team to join the Blues.

A natural athlete, Doonan was quick to adapt to the rigours of Australian footy, earning the respect of her teammates and her coaches with her work ethic.

Playing mainly in the forward line, Doonan’s accuracy via foot and her fitness were two of the strong points of her game.

BEST PERFORMANCE:

Straight into the country, straight into the team.

After an impressive pre-season, Doonan’s hard work was rewarded with a spot in the season opener against Richmond.

Not only having to put aside the nerves of playing in the season opener, the 25-year-old also had to cope with playing a sport she had never played at a professional level in front of a packed Ikon Park.

Credit to her professionalism as an athlete, Doonan put together a performance to be proud of, finishing with five disposals and four tackles playing of the forward line.

Doonan was able to celebrate the win with her teammates, friends and her brother who had made the trip down from Sydney to watch the Game Changer’s debut.

SEASON HIGHLIGHT:

While the debut would have a truly special moment for ‘Joey’, her final training session with the Blues was a moment to remember.

Unfortunately having to return home to Ireland early due to the outbreak of COVID-19, Doonan participated in one final training session the day before Carlton’s semi final against the Brisbane Lions.

Lining up for goal in a training drill, the girls all erupted as Doonan set the ball sailing through the big sticks, giving the Irish recruit a goodbye she will never forget.